The portion of the town from the foot of High Street extending in the direction of the river was mostly reclaimedby Isaac Macartney, who expressed his attachment to Whig principles by naming his quays and streets—George Quay, Hanover Quay, Marlborough Street, and Prince Street. O'Laverty, J. Vol II. Marlborough Street was named for the Duke of Marlborough, Queen Anne's victorious general. Marlborough Street (Donegall quay) is featured in Henderson’s 1850 edition of the Belfast Street Directory.
"That the Council be recommended to name the Court off the east side of Princes Street between Marlborough Street and Queens Square, Marlborough Court". (24th June 1896)