Northern Ireland's second-largest city after Belfast, Derry (or Londonderry) is a walled city in the county of the same name. An important place in Irish history, the city was the scene of numerous clashes and political events that left their mark on the town. Today, it's a multi-cultural city, renowned for its festive atmosphere and modernity.
History of Derry (or Londonderry)
Two city names for a centuries-old quarrel
Deeply marked by the conflicts between the British and the Irish, Derry was repeatedly the victim of humiliation and violence. Starting with the city's very name, which to this day has 2 distinct appellations: Derry and Londonderry: Derry and Londonderry.
More precisely, the town would always have been called Derry, but it was in the 17th century that it was sponsored by the London Guilds, and renamed "Londonderry", with the aim of humiliating its inhabitants and gaining a better foothold in the city. To this day, only Catholics (Nationalists) still refer to the town as "Derry", while Protestants (Unionists) call it Londonderry.
Key events in Derry's history
Derry's history is full of milestones that have forever shaped the face of the city and the country as a whole. From the Great Emigration to the tragedy of Bloody Sunday (1972), Derry is forever a historic and poignant city. Here's a brief summary of the major events the city has experienced:
- In the late 1600s, the town suffered one of the greatest British sieges in Irish history. Lasting 100 days, the siege caused a famine that decimated the Catholic population.
- 18th and 19th centuries: Derry is the nerve center for emigration to America. Emigration was massive, and the majority of the Irish population headed for the city's port on their way to the American East Coast.
- The Troubles (1969-1998): conflicts between the Irish and the British became increasingly violent. Derry became the scene of terrible clashes, with many neighborhoods, such as Bogside, barricaded. Young Irishmen tried to defend themselves against the British army with stones and explosive cocktails. It took the British several days to contain the conflict.
- Bloody Sunday, January 30, 1972: this infamous event was the day a civil rights demonstration turned into a nightmare. As this peaceful demonstration was illegal, several British soldiers decided to shoot into the crowd for fear of being fired upon by the IRA. On that day, they shot 14 people and wounded many more, outraging international public opinion. The day is commemorated every year with a peace march. The Museum of Free Derry in the city center also commemorates this tragic event.
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