Bogside Artists 

A short History of Derry

Derry or Doire or Londonderry or The Maiden City located on the banks of the great river Foyle can boast a very comprehensive history. It has been a place inhabited by people since prehistoric times. It was once an Oak grove held sacred by Druids of an elder faith. It then became the site of a monastery founded by St Columb Cille who left the place in self exile from a rock at Thornhill in the North of the city where a convent now stands. This rock still bears his foot prints and is held sacred to many Catholics and Christians.

Derry is also a place that saw the investment of English Kings, making it a thriving port city and the largest city in Ireland for generations, the name Londonderry comes from this investment by the London guilds. It has also seen the violence of constant attacks and invasions by the English and the Gaelic Lords, such as the famous Cahir O'Doherty who burned the city to the ground after killing the English Garrison. It is a city famous for its walls that have on two occasions helped in its defence during long sieges. The most famous siege was that held by the English King James, in person. Denied the city, he had no strong foot-hold in the North west of Ireland. This factor contributed to his defeat by the forces of William of Orange at the battle of the Boyne. Altering Irish and English History for the nest few hundred years.

Derry has also borne witness to some of the worst attrocities in the history of Northern Irelands troubles such as Bloody Sunday. Its history makes it a special place to visit. But it is not only that it has a detailed history that makes it a good place to visit. Its history is in plain view. The Walls still stand, nearly completely the same since the second siege under King James. The famous Bogside is still there and can be viewed from the heights of Creggan of from the walls themselves showing of an impressive array of murals and monuments dedicated to the struggle of its community. In fact the visiting the murals of Derry can take up a whole day. Loyalists and Republican areas now compete to display their history on the walls of their homes. Both communities giving impressive artistic displays.

Derry hosts history from the very ancient to the very modern. It is a city that can bost of a heritage that has affected British society as much as it has affected Irish and Gaelic society. Not only can you instantly see our history but the local people here would be happy to tell you their own.