St Peter's Cathedral
St Peter's Cathedral, built in the 1860s, is Belfast's Catholic cathedral. During the 19th century, thousands of Catholic workers came to Belfast in search of employment in the growing industries, particularly in the flax industry. The centre of Catholic life in Belfast at that time was St Mary's Church in Chapel Lane, near the old city centre. In 1858, in order to enable the growing number of worshippers to attend services, Barney Hughes, a leading Catholic lay preacher and wealthy bakery chain operator, bought land between Dystart Street, Derby Street and Alexander Street and gave it to Bishop Denvier. Construction of the cathedral began in 1861.
