Henry McCrackenThe story of the life of Henry McCracken is inextricably fused with the history of eighteenth century Belfast. Formed of stout Presbyterian stock, McCrackens family were the founders of the Belfast Newsletterthe oldest English language newspaper still in circulation, published since 1737and also worked as textile merchants, rope makers, and philanthropists. Where the McCrackens and Joys exemplified the economic dynamism and vibrant civic culture of