Meet Sir Otto Jaffe…

Otto Jaffe was one of the leading entrepreneurs responsible for the boom of the Linen Industry here in Belfast.

After moving from mainland Europe in 1852, his family set up a business that quickly became one of the largest exporters of linen in the world.

Through a lot of hard work and determination, the young German-born entrepreneur rose through the ranks of the family business and went on to become the Lord Mayor of Belfast. Twice.

Alongside running the business and serving the city, Sir Otto also sat on the boards of hospitals, founded schools and served as President of the Jewish community in Northern Ireland — all while still finding time to indulge in his love of gardening.

(The first bananas in Ireland were grown on the grounds of Sir Otto’s 8 acre mansion which was located near the Strand Cinema in East Belfast).

Yet by the end of his life, Sir Otto was forced out of Northern Ireland. Forever.

But that’s not all.

In the 100 years after Otto left Belfast, the Jewish community in Northern Ireland has fallen from 1500+ members to just under 80 men and women today.

In today’s episode, myself and producer Owen set off on another journey through the streets of Belfast and the pages of local history with one goal.

To find out why.

Check it out.

Introducing The Streets Where They Lived…

This episode is part of The Streets Where They Lived: a new documentary collaboration between Successful Belfast, the Belfast Buildings Trust, and Best of Belfast.

The six-part series will feature the stories of six incredible but sometimes overlooked men and women from Belfast and some of the buildings and places in the City with which they’re connected. We’ll hear from family members and people who know their story to help us better understand some of the lesser-told stories of the City.

The people and buildings have been chosen to reflect a diverse set of Belfast’s people: working-class to Knights, industrial power to sporting prowess, immigrants and survivors, and covers buildings from Arts centres to the old Town Hall, red-brick terraced houses to historic Victorian churches and industrial complexes.

The project is a collaboration with Successful Belfast, a project of Belfast Buildings Trust. It is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Belfast Buildings Trust is a charity founded in 1996 to regenerate Belfast’s landmark buildings. The Trust works to ensure that the City’s authentic heritage is made relevant for people today. One of its projects is Successful Belfast, which champions new and creative ways of involving people in Belfast’s future development.

Support for the series came from a wide range of local historians, heritage, and civic organisations. All of them helped make today’s podcast possible.

The Streets Where They Lived is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Otto Jaffe’s episode was written by me Matthew Thompson and produced/edited by Owen McFadden.

Ten Square Hotel, the former warehouse of The Jaffe Brothers

More Information About Sir Otto Jaffe

Otto Jaffe was born in 1846 and died in 1929
He moved to Belfast when he was six-years old.
The family business was called The Jaffe Brothers and was based in Ten Square Hotel
His father built the first synagogue which used to be on Great Victoria Street
The fountain behind Victoria Square is a memorial he built to remember his father
Bright yellow in colour, the Jaffe Memorial Fountain was moved to Botanic Gardens for many years
He built a spinning mill on the Newtonards Road called the Strand Spinning Mill which still stands today. The Portview Centre is home to 40+ businesses including a brewery, coffee roasters and former podcast guests Lines & Current
His house was just around the corner near the Strand Cinema
The first bananas in Ireland were grown in Otto’s gardens!
There used to be a Jaffe School on the Cliftonville Road
Queens University had the Jaffe Laboratories for many years
After being forced out of Belfast Otto moved to London
Before he died he developed a great love for astronomy

Jaffe Fountain Memorial Fountain Belfast

How To Listen To This Otto Jaffe Audio Documentary

If you don’t have time to tune in right now, you can listen to today’s show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Overcast or your favourite podcast app.

If it’s your first time listening to a podcast, click here to learn how to listen and enjoy audio shows.