An absolute must see. A real highlight of my visit.
St. Augustine’s, known as the “Wee Church on the Walls” is built on the site of St Columba’s first monastery in Ireland which was founded in 546AD on “God’s Little Acre”, this site on the oak clad Hill of Derry given to him by his cousin, Aed, King of Cenel Conaill. Continue reading “St Augustine’s – A Church of Many Names”
As you stroll along Derry City Walls you can’t fail to notice an abundance of old cannons. The majority of these cannons, and many more no longer in existence, were presented to the Plantation Settlers of the City in the early 1600s by various London livery companies – including Fishmongers, Grocers, Salters, Merchant Taylors and Vintners – under the auspices of The Honourable, The Irish Society. Continue reading “Roaring Meg and other Cannons”
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”
Despite numerous bombings through the “Troubles” this Greek Revival style building is as beautiful and sturdy looking as the day it was built, some 200 years ago in 1813 – though to be fair there have been a number of refurbishments in the intervening years. Continue reading “The Courthouse”
Cecil Frances Alexander (nee Humphreys) was born in Dublin in 1818 and moved to the Derry/Strabane area in 1836. It was here that she began writing both poetry and hymns in the very simplistic style for which she became world famous. Continue reading “There is a Green Hill (far away) in the Creggan”
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”
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”
Something to contemplate while you visit St Columb’s Cathedral.
There are few, if any, better know hymns (and yes, it started out as, and still is, a hymn) in the world then Amazing Grace. Continue reading “Amazing Grace – Newton and the Derry Link”
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”
In the grounds of St Columb’s Cathedral you cannot fail to notice a circular mound with an obelisk monument on top of it. Folklore and many misguided guides will tell you that this is the burial ground of the 13 original apprentice boys or indeed the 6,000 – 10,000 bodies of those who died in the 1689 Siege of Derry. Continue reading “Siege Heroes Mound”
The Rambling Wombat 