The Baron Templemore

The area of Templemore takes its name from Baron Templemore, a relative of the Chichester family, owners of lands in and around Belfast. Baron Templemore owned these lands during the nineteenth century.It was this gentleman who decided, in the second half of that century, to build tree lined avenues and large houses for the Artisans and Managers who were coming into the area to meet the labour needs of the major employers.
The shipyard was founded in 1861, and many other factories and industries related to shipbuilding activity, such as the Ropeworks, followed.  Interestingly, Belfast did not receive ‘city’ status until 1888, from Queen Victoria.
Templemore Avenue was to be the Baron’s showpiece. However, half way through the building of these houses he went bankrupt and that is the reason why there are so many different types of houses on the Avenue.
Other builders moved in to finish building the houses which had been planned.