Plot: F1-379/380
This grave contains the remains of seven females who died between 1889-1946. The penitentiary opened in 1819 in York Lane, Belfast. Rev. John Edgar, Presbyterian minister, raised funds for a new building. The penitentiary re-opened in 1839 on Brunswick Street, Belfast, later moving to Ormeau Road, and closed in 1932. Women were received from all over Ulster; the main offences were petty theft, drunken and disorderly conduct, soliciting and vagrancy. Inmates worked in the laundry, were taught sewing to enable them to earn an honest living and reading so they would be aware of their duty as set forth in the Word of God.
This grave contains the remains of:
Sarah Gillespie, died 1889 aged 76 years
Jane Johnston, died 1890 aged 38 years
Ellen Haslett, died 1891 aged 61 years
Rosena Hawthorne, died 1892 aged 65 years
Louisa Johnston, died 1902 aged 30 years
Jane McDowell, died 1904 aged 50 years
Agnes Shannon, died 1946 aged 75 years.
Researcher: Winnie McColl
