Period Photos

Journalists, residents, artists, government entities and the security forces photo-documented Belfast throughout the duration of the Troubles/conflict. Browse a curated collection of material that pertain to the ‘ring of steel’ in central Belfast 1972-2002.

  • Security gate at Chapel Lane, looking to Smithfield. 1972

  • Security gate at Chapel Lane, looking to Smithfield. 1972

  • Checkpoint Fountain St. 1972

  • Corn Market. 1976

  • Corn Market, Security Barrier. 1976

  • Callender St. Security Barrier. 1976

  • Ring of Steel, Belfast (west)

    Ulster Defense Regiment (left) and British Army (right) searchers

  • Ring of Steel, Belfast. 1979

  • Ring of Steel, Belfast. 1979

  • Lombard St. security barrier

  • photograph contributed anonymously (north)

    Aftermath of a car bomb on checkpoint (X21) Royal Avenue, 1988 barricades

  • Calendar Street

  • Anne Street