The story of Belfast is one of unlikely success. From a crossing at a sand bank without any natural resources, it mushroomed into a great Victorian city with thriving shipping and linen industries in the 1800s. I’m a Belfast-born guide, and on this walking tour I’d like to share the city’s story with you. All roads lead to the City Hall, so there’s no better place to start a tour of the city centre than outside its front doors. Along the way, you’ll see icons of past industries that shaped Belfast into a great industrial city within the British Empire. You’ll discover the people who left their mark in the fields of science, architecture, religion, education and the arts too. On this tour, you'll also hear about: • The places where some of the most horrific events unfolded during Belfast’s ‘Troubles’ • Eight masts representing well-known Belfast-made ships • The development of Belfast’s industries, including shipbuilding and linen • The birth of the United Irishmen movement • How Unionism and Republican Nationalism developed • Winston Churchill facing an angry crowd of unionists in 1912 • The arrival of US Army troops during the Second World War • Unionist leader Sir Edward Carson’s final resting place We'll also visit sculptures and murals like the 'Spirit of Belfast' and see iconic landmarks including St Anne's Cathedral and the Albert Memorial Clock.