Test your knowledge of Larne history!

A scenic view of Larne coastline with historical buildings and landmarks, capturing the essence of the town's history and maritime heritage

Discover the History of Larne

Test your knowledge of Larne's rich history with this engaging quiz! From maritime disasters to significant local landmarks, this quiz will challenge your understanding of the town's past.

10 thought-provoking questions
Learn about key events and figures in Larne's history
Perfect for history enthusiasts and locals alike!

10 Questions2 MinutesCreated by ExploringHistory42

1. Larne Museum & Arts Centre is housed in the former Carnegie Free Library building. It is now a grade B1 listed building of historic and architectural interest. Which one of these historic buildings/monuments is not listed?

Larne War Memorial. Unveiled in 1922 and originally located at the junction of Main Street and Circular Road, the memorial was moved in 1975 to its current location at Inver.

Moyle Hospital. Larne Union Workhouse, now Moyle Hospital, opened in 1842 with a fever hospital being added in 1844 and further buildings in 1847.

Smiley Grave. Sir Hugh Smiley died in 1909 and was buried at Craigyhill Cemetery. His grave is marked by a large stone taken from a local beach in 1910 which had to be moved on a powerful traction engine.

Ulster Bank. The original Ulster Bank was demolished in 1930 to make way for the building of Upper Main Street. The current bank was built in 1931.

2. The coastline around Larne has claimed many ships over the years, with many lives and cargoes lost. Which of these disasters claimed the lives of all on board?

HMS Thrush. HMS Thrush, a Royal Fleet Auxiliary salvage steamer and former gunboat was wrecked off Glenarm during a snowstorm in 1917

SS Peridot. In 1905, the Peridot was driven on to the rocks at Skernaghan Point, Islandmagee, during severe weather. The vessel had delivered a cargo of coal from Irvine, Scotland, to Carnlough and had been loaded with limestone for the return journey. The Captain and crew were from Carnlough and Glenarm.

State of Louisiana. In 1878, the State Steamship Company Liner, the State of Louisiana, grounded on Hunter Rock near the Maidens, due to the marker buoy becoming dislodged. It was carrying 17 passengers and 2000 tonnes of cargo on its voyage from Glasgow to New York via Larne.

During World War Two, Larne Naval Base was located at the Olderfleet Hotel. It was given a Service name. The Germans thought it was a vessel and issued propaganda that they had sunk it. What was the Service name of the base?

HMS Racer

HMS Larne

HMS Caroline

HMS Repulse

Larne Shipbuilding Company formed in 1897 on land leased from James Chaine near the ruins of Olderfleet Castle. There is some discussion over whether the SS Kerrymore or the SS Kylebahn was the last boat to be built in Larne. However both ships were launched in the same year. What year did they launch?

1910

1915

1920

1925

5. Larne Museum & Arts Centre is housed in the historic former Carnegie Free Library Building. Built in 1905, it is an example of Edwardian 'free style' architecture. Three of these buildings were also established during the reign of King Edward VII (1901-1910) and one is much earlier Victorian building. Which is the odd one out?

Larne Bowling and Lawn Tennis Club

The Gobbins

McGarel Town Hall

Smiley Cottage Hospital (now Mid and East Antrim Borough Council Offices)

6. Larne Museum’s photographic collection provides a record of many aspects of Larne’s history and includes many images of local schools. Which of these schools once stood next to a house (now long gone) where the grandparents of US President Andrew Johnston (1865-1869) lived?

St Mary’s National School

Larne & Inver National School

Toreagh National School

Larne Intermediate School

7. The Sun Laundry was in operation in Larne from 1894 providing ‘a first-class service to Hotels and Shipping Lines.’ In the 1980s the premises were taken over by another local business still in existence today. What was that business?

Rea’s of Larne Furniture Shop, Bank Road

Ballantine’s Clothes Shop, Main Street

Silver Lounge Café

This is a lady known as Marina Jane Parke. She lived in a roughly built home on the shore. Refusing to leave her home in spite of warnings about rough weather, Jane’s body was found on the shore the morning after a storm in December 1894, with her home washed away. She had been very well-known by both locals and tourists. Where did she live?

Drains Bay

Ballygally

Carnlough

Cushendun

Ten McGarel Buildings, or Almshouses, were erected in Larne and partly furnished by Charles McGarel in 1874 at a cost of £8000 ‘being intended for persons possessing a small income’. The Larne Times of 1938 said they were ‘among the most attractive of their kind in any part of Ulster’. By the 1960s, only 3 houses were occupied. The Almshouses were demolished in 1971. Where were the Almshouses located?

Glenarm Road

Pound Street

Gloucester Avenue

Old Glenarm Road

Test your knowledge of Larne history!

Discover the History of Larne

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