Lady Macnaghten of Benvarden & The Siege of Londonderry
Benvarden has a very strong connection to the events of the Siege of Londonderry.
If you look at the graphic located above (depicting Bishop Walker's proclamation of victory), you will notice a woman to his right carrying a baby in her arms. She is wearing the family tartan of the Macnaghten Clan.
Her name is Lady Macnaghten of Benvarden.
We know from history that Lady Macnaghten took her family and workers from Benvarden to Londonderry, in order to keep them safe during the troubled years of 1688 and 1689.
After the siege was over, Lady Macnaghten returned to her Estate at Benvarden House (now owned by the Montgomery family).
Today, in the city of Londonderry, there are still areas of the Waterside named 'Benvarden' in honour of the role played by Lady Macnaghten and the people of Benvarden in defending the Walled City.