Ballymacarrett has not always been part of Belfast. Even after its industry, infrastructure and population had become intertwined with the city, its official incorporation happened slowly in several stages, with Belfast often reluctant to take on the burden of the townland's population. It was incorporated into the municipal boundary of Belfast in 1852.
Population history Early history 17th and 18th centuries In 1622,
James Hamilton (Viscount of
Clandeboye) leased the townland of Ballymacarret to Richard and Henry Whitehead. Later leases were made to the merchant family Kelso from Ayr, Scotland. In 1672, ‘
Balle maccarrett alias
Ballincrat’ was sold to Thomas Pottinger, whose merchant family built the large Mountpottinger house in the townland. In 1744, the only two buildings described in Ballymacarrett were Mountpottinger and a mill. Handloom weavers had built small cottages, forming a village at Ballymacarrett. By 1837, the townland had 5168 inhabitants and a police station.
20th century The Troubles In some ways the ward has been a microcosm of the Northern Ireland troubles. The June 1970 "Battle of Saint Matthew's" occupies an important place in Irish republican history after a gun battle between
republicans and
loyalists, who were accused of attacking the church. Loyalists counter this with claims that three Orange Order members were killed after returning from a parade. The Historical Enquiries Team (HET) confirmed the loyalist version of events. It is seen as one of the key developments in the rise to prominence of the
Provisional IRA. Similarly on the Ballymacarrett side of the peaceline, Protestant residents have claimed that Republicans are engaged in attacks on Protestant homes which amount to 'ethnic cleansing' – claims which Republicans dispute and deny.
2011 East Belfast riots Ballymacarrett and the nearby Newtownards Road played a key part in what became known as the
2011 Northern Ireland riots. At first, the riots were only located in the area and were known as the
2011 East Belfast riots but by July, the riots had spread to other parts of the country. During the riots, the Protestants in the area were going against
Short Strand Catholics. ==Transport==