Named after the Marquis of Hartington, born Spencer Compton Cavendish, later 8th Duke of Devonshire who was the leader of the Liberal Party. He disagreed with Gladstone over the Home Rule Bill. (Origin of Some of Belfast's Street Names, John J. Marshall, p. 15). His brother Lord Cavendish was murdered in Phoenix Park in 1882. This is one of a number of streets off Dublin Road which commemorate pro-Union peers. The group includes Salisbury, Ashburne, Ventry, Pakenham and Apsley.
Hartington Street originally extended for approximately 200 yards from Dublin Road to Maryville Street. Nowadays after redevelopment only a short section adjoining Dublin Road remains and there are no longer any properties which have Hartington Street as an address. Hence, while the street still exists, it is not found in some resources such as online maps or address/postcode databases.
Application of Messrs R.J. McConnell and Co. New streets on their property be named: 2 streets off Agnes Street - Glenfarne Street and Charleyville Street; 2 streets off Old Park Road Gracebell Street and Mayfair Street, 4 streets off Dublin Road Ashbourne Street, Salisbury Street, Hartington Street Hardcastle Street. Mr McConnell was requested to choose another name instead of Maryville Avenue as the word avenue is not suitable. (Town Improvements Committee, 13th October 1886).