Queen Street Police Station facts for kids
The Queen Street Building in Belfast, Northern Ireland, has a long and interesting history. It first served as a special hospital for children. Later, it became a police station for the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC). The building has been empty since 2000 and is showing signs of age. Because of its historical importance, it was officially recognized as a 'listed building' in 1979.
Contents
The Story of Queen Street Building
A Place of Healing: The Hospital Years
The land for the hospital was bought in 1876. It was an empty space next to the new Gas Office. A builder named William McCammond constructed the hospital. He later became the Lord Mayor of Belfast.
The famous architects, Thomas Jackson & Son, designed the building. They created many well-known buildings in Belfast. Their design was for a beautiful Baroque style hospital.
It was planned to have 44 beds, but opened with 18. Many beds had special cards. These cards honored people who donated money. The hospital cost more than expected, over £5,000.
It was finished in 1877. However, the official opening date was changed to 1878. The hospital served the community for 53 years. In 1932, it moved to a new location on the Falls Road.
From Hospital to Police Station: The RUC Years
In 1933, the building became a police station. It was used by the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC). At first, police stations like this one were often open to the public. Officers usually patrolled without weapons.
This changed in the early 1970s. During a difficult period known as the Troubles, security became very important. The police station needed more protection. Officers began to carry weapons, and access to the building became restricted.
Fortifications were added, like a special guard post called a sanger. A tall wire fence also helped protect the building. Sadly, during this time, two police officers on patrol near the station lost their lives.
The Queen Street police station served the community until January 16, 2000. All police work then moved to the Musgrave police station nearby.
Famous People Who Worked Here
Sir Ronnie Flanagan, who later became a very important police chief, started his career at Queen Street. He worked there for his first three years as a police officer.
During his time at Queen Street, he was given a special duty. He had to guard the bodies of three men. One of these men was Gunner Robert Curtis. He was the first British soldier to lose his life during the Troubles.
Young Ronnie Flanagan stood guard alone. He once said:
"There was this idea that some groups might try to take the bodies. I was there to guard them. I had no firearms or anything."
