TheRamblingWombat Londonderry / Derry

Grand Parade – Enjoy the Walk

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This western section of the Derry City’s Wall, between Double Bastion and Butcher Gate, is the widest section of the Wall and is known as Grand Parade. What a great stretch of the Wall it is for those seeking to promenade. It was quite amazing to recall as I stroll along here that these walls are 400 years old and to think about the history under my feet and all around me. In addition to the strategic importance of this section of the Wall it has always been a preferred part of the Wall for a walk or other exercise. Continue reading “Grand Parade – Enjoy the Walk” →

TheRamblingWombat Londonderry / Derry

Heritage Tower – Former Derry Gaol

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This is the last remaining tower of a former gaol, the remainder of which was demolished in 1973. While the original gaol was built in 1791 the towers were an 1824 addition with this one being a hanging tower. This was the City’s third prison and replaced ones at the junction of Bishop Street and the Diamond (1620) and one at Ferryquay Gate (1676). Continue reading “Heritage Tower – Former Derry Gaol” →

TheRamblingWombat Londonderry / Derry

Bishop’s Gate – No Surrender to James II

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This gate is the best known of the four original gates in Derry City Walls and is at the highest point thereof. It was Bishop’s Gate that James II approached on 18 April 1689 expecting the citizens to surrender. James, requested the inhabitants to surrender four times that day. On the fourth occasion James beat a hasty retreat when a cannon was fired from the ramparts killing one of his officers. Thus began the 105 days Siege of Derry. Continue reading “Bishop’s Gate – No Surrender to James II” →

TheRamblingWombat Londonderry / Derry

Cathedral Church of St Columb’s

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This Cathedral is a must see on your visit to Derry as it is inexorably linked with so much of the history of this City.

St Columb’s Cathedral, in Planter’s Gothic style, was built between 1628 and 1633, around 10 years after the City Walls were completed, making it the first Cathedral to be erected in the British Isles after the Reformation. It is the oldest building in the City and the mother church of the Church of Ireland Diocese of Derry and Raphoe and the parish church of Templemore. It is dedicated to Saint Columba, the Irish monk who established a Christian settlement in the area in the sixth century. Continue reading “Cathedral Church of St Columb’s” →

TheRamblingWombat Londonderry / Derry

Ferryquay Gate – Shutting of the Gates Ceremony

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Ferryquay is one of the four original City gates and overlooked the ferry quay on the River Foyle. It originally had a drawbridge over a dry moat and a tower. The original gate was significantly widened in 1795 and rebuilt in its present form in 1866. The keystones on this gate represent the Reverend George Walker, Episcopalian Minister and Governor during the Siege of Derry, and the Reverend James Gordon, Presbyterian Minister during the Siege. Continue reading “Ferryquay Gate – Shutting of the Gates Ceremony” →