Derry / Londonderry — A City's Story (P5–P7)

The story of Derry/Londonderry

1. 1 Two names Doire (Irish: 'oak grove' or 'oak wood') — the original Irish name. Derry — the English form. Londonderry — added in 1613 when London merchants funded the city's plantation. Both 'Derry' and 'Londonderry' are used today; the choice often reflects political and cultural identity.
2. 2 Ancient origins Founded by St Colmcille (St Columba) around 546 CE as a monastery in an oak grove. One of Ireland's most important early Christian sites for centuries.
3. 3 The walls (1613-1618) Built by London merchant guilds during the Plantation of Ulster. One of the best-preserved walled cities in Europe — the walls remain intact today. You can walk all the way around them.
4. 4 The Siege of Derry (1689) Protestant 'Apprentice Boys' shut the gates against the army of King James II (Catholic). The 105-day siege saw great hardship — thousands starved before relief arrived. A central event in unionist tradition; commemorated annually.
5. 5 Bloody Sunday (30 January 1972) British soldiers shot 26 unarmed civil rights protesters in the Bogside, killing 14. A traumatic event in the Troubles. The Saville Inquiry (2010) found the shootings were 'unjustified and unjustifiable'.
6. 6 UK City of Culture 2013 Derry/Londonderry was the first UK City of Culture. Brought significant investment and tourism. The Peace Bridge (2011) symbolically connected the historically Catholic and Protestant sides of the river.
7. 7 The city today Vibrant, growing, increasingly visited by tourists. Walls walks, Free Derry Museum, the Tower Museum, and the Peace Bridge are major attractions. A symbol of the changing North.