Belfast is a city and seaport, capital of Northern Ireland, eastern Northern Ireland, around the Lagan River, at the head of Belfast Lough (an inlet of the North Channel of the Irish Sea). Belfast is actually a main commercial and industrial city. It is the most significant shipbuilding as well as repairing centers of Great Britain and has long been recognized for its linen textiles. Its manufactures include aircraft, guided weapons, and tobacco and also food products. A large petroleum refinery here is supplied by imported petroleum acquired at the city's deepwater port. Various other imports consist of grain, coal, chemicals, and iron and steel. Among the leading exports are petroleum products, soap, foodstuffs, and textiles. Located within Belfast are the noteworthy Ulster Museum (1890) and the Protestant Cathedral of Saint Anne. An educational center, the city is the seat of Queen's University of Belfast (1845), Belfast College of Technology (1901), and the Union Theological College (1978).
Although the site has yielded proof of occupation in the Stone and Bronze ages, Belfast's founding dates from 1177, when a Norman castle was erected. Edward Bruce ravaged the agreement in 1315, the year he ascended the Irish throne. Taken by the English in the 16th century, it had been granted a charter of incorporation in 1613, and also the immigration of Protestants (significantly Scottish Presbyterians) was motivated. French Huguenot refugees arriving within the late 17th century developed the linen industry. The harbor was improved in the late 18th century, and shipbuilding was started over a large scale. The city was made the capital of Northern Ireland in 1920. During World War II Belfast was heavily destroyed by German bombing raids. From 1969, the city was the scene of Roman Catholic-Protestant problems involving civil rights agitation and increased violence. Before 1974 Belfast was the county town of the former county of Antrim.
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