Founded in 1860 in Bradbury Place as Belfast Midnight Mission, this institution moved to purpose-built premises in Malone Place in 1926 where it operated under the title of a rescue and maternity establishment. It also operated a separate maternity ward and many of the women and girls placed in Hopedene Hostel before 1949 gave birth there. In 1944 the institution’s name was changed to Malone Place and in 1949 was purchased by the Northern Ireland Hospitals Authority. It continued to operate as a maternity hospital until 1981. 

What Records Exist and What Do They Contain? 

The records of the institution have been transferred to PRONI. They comprise a minute book for the Belfast Midnight Mission Maternity Home for the years 1934 -1949 and admission registers for 1901 - 1944. The registers include personal information such as a mother’s name, address, age, religious belief, date of admission and discharge date. Often details about the mother and father were recorded and sometimes details of a mother’s future marriage. Details recorded for a newborn baby include name, baptism details (if applicable), destination on leaving and some other additional details. 

To What Period Do the Records Relate?

Most of the personal records held in relation to this institution relate to the period 1901-1944. 

Who Is the Controller of the Records?

Requests for access to the records should be made to PRONI.

How Best Can the Records Be Accessed?

Personal Records

Personal records held by PRONI relating to Malone Place can be accessed by submitting a Subject Access Request ('SAR') under UK GDPR for personal information held about the requester. For details of how to make such an application please refer to the guidance visit out Accessing Records and Your Rights page.

Contacting PRONI

It is recommended that all communication with PRONI should be in writing and copies of correspondence should be kept. 

The contact details for PRONI are as follows: 

Public Record Office of Northern Ireland,

2 Titanic Boulevard,
Titanic Quarter,
Belfast,
BT3 9HQ.
Email: proni@communities-ni.gov.uk