To begin my day in Derry/Londonderry I felt that a walk around the city’s walls would be the best way to get acclimated. Second only in size to Belfast in NI, it has a long history beginning wit ha monastery founded in the 6th century by St. Columba who later founded Iona, Scotland. People had been living there for hundreds of years prior to the saint’s arrival. Originally called Derry, it received it’s Royal Charter from James I (VI Scotland) in 1613. It was built by London guilds and that is reflected in it’s legal name although Derry is commonly used. All official signage appears to include them both, so I will too.
Derry/Londonderry, is a city on the River Foyle in Northern Ireland. It’s known for the intact 17th-century Derry’s Walls with 7 gates. These are the only complete city walls in Ireland and considered to be among the best in Europe.
And as a personal observation Derry/Londonderry seems to be one of the cleanest cities I’e ever been in. In fact it has received the 2017 “Best Kept City ” award. One reason could be the team of city workers who patrol the city daily picking up litter and I’m sure that the residence do their part.
The walls are massive.
Within the city walls the magnificent spired St. Columb’s Cathedral unfortunately restricts photography within the church proper.
As you enter the main doors before the church entranceway there are these fine stairs heading to the organ
The tower on this shield is from the 1791 Old Jail Tower hard by the cathedral, but I have no idea what the skeleton signifies.
The Peace Bridge seems to have been one of those situations when hope overcomes reality to paraphrase Dr. Johnson. There have been a number of sectarian violent acts as recently as this year where gangs of young Catholics have severely beaten outnumbered Protestant youths. And the major cause of death between those 18-34 in the area is from suicide with many jumping from this or the vehicle bridge.
32 huge stained-glass windows adorn the 1890 neo-Gothic red sandstone Guildhall. It is currently used for cultural events.
The original guildhall was destroyed by fire and the site was turned into the Diamond Square where there is a monument to War Veterans.
The Apprentice Boys were a small group of lads who, whilst their elders were debating, closed the city gates against James’ troops. This is their memorial hall and houses a nice Siege Museum with films that explain he event and how it is currently remembered.
Acting Gov. Lundy was a supporter of James but professed support for William. He tried to sell out and had to escape in disguise. At the end of the annual parade in a week or two from now his effigy will be burned.
St. Augustines sits in the site of St. Columba’s 546 AD original chapel.
6.02 miles
{ 0 comments… add one now }