Named after Hatfield House in Hertfordshire, family seat of the Marquess of Salisbury (John J Marshall, Belfast Telegraph, 22/01/41, 03/03/41). Robert Gascoyne-Cecil, 3rd Marquess of Salisbury (1830-1903), was a Conservative statesman who vehemently opposed Home Rule for Ireland. He was Prime Minister of the United Kingdom for three separate periods for a total of over 13 years between 1885 and 1902. His three terms as Prime Minister were interrupted by Liberal governments led by Gladstone, who supported Home Rule. There was considerable opposition to Home Rule in Belfast at that time. Lord Salisbury was born at Hatfield House.
Along with Farnham Street, Rutland Street, and Balfour Avenue, Hatfield Street is one of four side-streets off Ormeau Road in this locality with names linked to Unionist political figures.
"On the application of the owners, your committee have named ... four new streets off Ormeau Road Hatfield Street, Farnham Street, Rutland Street, and Balfour Avenue respectively; ... (Belfast News-Letter - Thursday 02 October 1890).
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