The church bastion

In Derry, Northern Ireland, you’ll find “The church bastion”, a remarkably well-preserved historic site. Located in the heart of the city, it is an ancient military defensive zone, which enabled the city to defend itself against the siege of the Catholic King James II in 1689… A historical landmark of which the town’s Protestants are still particularly proud today…

Visit The Church Bastion

A place of defence against the siege of James II

For fans of historical battles, The Church Bastion is a reference to an important episode in Derry’s history. It was here that King James II’s attempted siege of the city began, on April 18, 1689.

At that time, King James II, a devout Catholic, was overthrown from the power of the Crown of England. He was replaced by the Protestant William III of Orange-Nassau.

Determined to regain his rights, James II decided to land in Ireland, aided by the French troops of King Louis XIV. After landing in Kinsale, he sets out to lay siege to the town of Derry, a symbol of Protestantism at the time… but nothing goes according to plan…

This is where The Bastion Church comes in. It’s April 18, 1689, and at the time, this bastion was a military zone built overlooking the River Foyle. Angular in shape, it offers an unobstructed view, as well as an angle of fire on possible assailants…

Unfortunately, that day, the soldiers in charge of the town’s security spotted the king’s troops approaching. Their objective is clear: lay siege to Derry, and take the town by force.

Faced with the threat, the men at Church Bastion mobilize. The cannons are armed and fire on the king’s troops. A defensive action that signals the start of the siege and confrontations. Terrible acts of violence are to be expected.

The bastion defends itself with strength and courage… But the besiegers are advancing rapidly and the men in the stronghold have to find a way out. The bastion has an escape route to the cathedral of St. Colomba. Many men retreat.

This marked the very first act of the siege of Derry, which lasted 3 and a half months, ending on July 30, 1689, when English naval vessels, sailing up the estuary of the River Foyle, broke through the boom set up by the Jacobite army, bringing supplies and ammunition… King James II’s troops were defeated, confirming the victory of William of Orange and the Protestants of Derry.

However, the toll remains terrible: the siege cost the lives of over 8,000 Derry residents. A tragedy still commemorated every year by the Protestant fraternity of the Apprentice Boys of Derry.

The bastion church today…

Despite the centuries that separate us from this tragic episode, the Bastion Church has not aged a day. Still intact, this defensive site is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions.

The 2 cannons that contributed to Derry’s defensive maneuvers can still be found here… and the little gate is still directly linked to St Colomba’s Cathedral.

Don’t hesitate to take a walk there: the view is beautiful over the River Foyle, and the site will give you a better idea of Derry’s history!