When Belfast was little more than a village, was known as Cow Lane. Later, as the town developed, it grew into a small street named Mary Street. On the south side of High Street it occupied the site of Forest Lane and Weighhouse Lane, and finally, when Great Edward Street was widened, that name was discarded and Victoria Street continued up to Cromac Square. The Town Conaissioners had about completed this fine thoroughfare at the time of the visit of the Queen and Prince Albert in 1849, so with loyal promptitude they named it Victoria Street. The spaces secured by the reclamation of the two docks were named Queen's Square and Albert Square. (Belfast Street Names. John J. Marshall).
Victoria Street (lower end) was Cow Lane, along which cattle were drove to Points Fields at the end of Corporation Street, the drovers were known as “Cow Wallopers”.
"Submitted: Memorial from owners and occupiers of property in Great Edward Street and Cromac Street, which streets are now being widened under the Act of 1911, asking to have the name Great Edward Street cancelled and Victoria Street continued to Cromac Square.
The subject having been considered, it was
Resolved. That the name Great Edward Street be changed to Victoria Street, which name will apply as far as Cromac Square and Hamilton Street". (8th June 1915).
"The Town Clerk reported the receipt of memorials from rate-payers in Cromac Street, protesting against the change in the name of a portion of that street, between May Street and Hamilton Street, to Victoria Street. Also, that a letter had been received from Messrs. W. G. Twinem & Co., forwarding an account for the sum of £16.17.0, which amount they stated they would lose in stationery and printing in consequence of the change made in the name of the street.
A deputation representing rate-payers in Cromac Street attended, in support of the memorial protesting against the change of the name of the portion of the street referred to; and Mr. Comery and Mr. Allen, having explained the views of the deputation, the Chairman intimated that the subject would receive further consideration, and the deputation retired.
Councillor Twaddell gave notice that he would move a resolution at next meeting to the effect that the name Cromac Street shall apply from May Street to Ormeau Avenue as heretofore". (17th August 1915).
"Moved by Councillor Twaddell Seconded by Councillor Macartney, and Resolved: That the Council be recommended to rescind so much of their resolution of 1st July 1915 as adopted the following resolution passed by this Committee on the 8th June, 1915. 'Submitted memorial from owners and occupiers of property in Great Edward Street and Cromac Street, which streets are now being widened under the Act of 1911, asking to have the name Great Edward Street cancelled and Victoria Street continued to Cromac Square, and the subject having been considered, it was. Resolved: That the name Great Edward Street be changed to Victoria Street, which name will apply as far as Cromac Square and Hamilton Street'.” (31st August 1915).
"The Town Clerk reported that the reference in this Committee’s Minutes of 31st August last, relative to the changing of the names of Great Edward Street and portion of Cromac Street, had been deleted by the Council at their meeting on the 1st inst., and referred back to the Committee for reconsideration.
Councillor Atkinson gave notice that he would move resolutions at next meeting to the effect that the name of Great Edward Street and the portion of Cromac Street between May Street and Cromac Square be changed to Victoria Street". (12th October 1915).
"Moved by Councillor Atkinson, Seconded by Councillor Macartney, and Resolved: That the Council be recommended to rescind so much of their resolution of 1st July 1915 as adopted the following resolution passed by this Committee on the 8th June, 1915: 'Submitted a memorial from owners and occupiers of property in Sgt. Edward Street and Cromac Street, which streets are now being widened under the Act of 1911, asking to have the name Sgt. Edward Street cancelled and Victoria Street extended to Cromac Square; and the subject having been considered, it was Resolved: That the name ‘Sgt. Edward Street’ be changed to ‘Victoria Street,’ which name will apply as far as Cromac Square and Hamilton Street.
The signatures to a memorial presented to the Council at their meeting on 1st Sept. last by a deputation of occupiers of property in Cromac Street, protesting against the name of portion of that street being changed to Victoria Street, were read. Moved by Councillor Atkinson. Seconded by Councillor Macartney That subject to the Council adopting the foregoing recommendation, the names of Sgt. Edward Street and the portion of Cromac Street between May Street and the northern side of Cromac Square be changed to Victoria Street". (26th October 1915).