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”
This is an easy one to miss and I must admit I just happened on it by chance, or was it the Sherlock Holmes in me! Continue reading “Sally Forth from the Sally Port”
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”
City Walking Tour
I had not visited Derry for a number of years and this time I was with someone who had not been there before. Perchance I made an idiot of myself by not knowing my way around, I decided to call into the Tourist Office (at 44 Foyle Street, along the River Foyle) and procure a tourist map of the city. Prior to getting into the office I was “accosted” outside the door by a gentleman who was most insistent we join his city walking tour. Continue reading “Past, Present and Future from a local”
In 2013 Derry celebrated as the UK’s first City of Culture. 2013 also marked the 400th anniversary of the commissioning of its City Walls. Continue reading “Walk Old Derry’s Walls”
Over the years Northern Ireland, in general, has been considered an unsafe and indeed downright dangerous place for visitors. Belfast, Derry and the border areas, in particular, have been perceived as especially dangerous. Continue reading “Do not be afraid – just be careful”
The Rambling Wombat 