First appears: 1858-1859 (BPUD)
A surmise about how Clarence Street came to be named. In their booklet Joy Street and Hamilton Street: District of Belfast (1971) C. E. B. Brett and Robert J. McKinstry argue that streets such as Clarence Place, Sussex Place and Adelaide Street are called after a member of the Royal Family before the accession of Queen Victoria in 1837. In his comprehensive work on Dublin Street Names, McCready states that the name Clarence Street comes from the title William IV (1765–1837) had as the Duke of Clarence before his accession in 1830. The Belfast Directory of 1831-1832 lists people living at Clarence Place. Clarence Street was referenced in 1851 in the Belfast Newsletter. (IHTA) Clarence Street features in the 1858 BSD with two businesses and a domestic address listed. The Belfast And Province Of Ulster Directory 1858-1859 refers to Clarence Street with the addition – “Linen Hall Street to St Malachi’s Chapel” [correct title – St Malachy’s Church].
Further Information
“Resolved that the street from Rev Dr Crook’s church on the one side and the Music Hall on the other, to the river shall be called May Street and that the street from Arthur Street to Donegall Square East be named Clarence Place”. 12th March 1863.