"To Lose Londonderry is to Lose a Kingdom."
The words of Colonel Richards to Colonel Lundy.
The Siege of Londonderry.
Since the times of Elizabeth I, the situation in Ireland had generally been extremely volatile. The Ulster Plantation of the early 1600s had placed English and Scottish settlers (mostly Protestants) on lands which many Roman Catholics saw as their own, and which resulted in conflict between the two communities. In addition, both of the warring communities had very different religious backgrounds, social customs and philosophies of work. The 1641 Massacre, or 'Ulster Holocaust', saw many of the Old Gaelic families of Ulster rise up in an attempt to take over the country and reclaim land that they saw as rightfully theirs.
As a result of this, many Protestants were forced off their lands during the 1640s. In Portadown alone, over 100 were driven off a bridge and drowned (those who tried to swim were shot or battered with oars by the insurgents until every man, woman and child had drowned). This cruel rebellion continued and was not finally crushed until Oliver Cromwell landed in Ireland (1649) with his New Model Army. Many of Cromwell's armies were paid in land confiscated from the Roman Catholic rebels. This was known as the "Cromwellian Land Settlement".
Further plantation land-acquisitions took place after 1650. By 1654, the Down Survey showed that approximately one half of Ireland's twenty million acres were in Protestant ownership (although the actual Protestant population itself was only around 20%).
When James II became King of England, he attempted to implement changes which would transfer much of this land back to Roman Catholics - part of his 'Catholic Design' plan. He appointed Richard Talbot to the peerage as Earl of Tyrone (later known as the Earl of Tyrconnell). Talbot was a shrewd Roman Catholic politician who had a controversial past. He had tried to assassinate Cromwell (for which he was caught and sentenced, but escaped on his way to prison). Under James' reign, Talbot and many other leading Roman Catholics were promoted to senior positions within the army - the Protestants of England rightly saw this as an ominous sign of things to come. The Protestants of Ulster weren't too impressed with the Earl of Tyrconnell either, they nicknamed him - 'Lying Dick Talbot'.
By January 1687, Talbot (now the Earl of Tyrconnell) had been promoted to the role of Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. In this capacity, he moved quickly and ruthlessly - placing Roman Catholics in positions of control within the state and the military. He also moved to increase the strength of the army in Ireland from 8,000 to 40,000 - a large number of unemployed Roman Catholics joined its ranks. Although many members of Talbot's new army were untrained and ill-disciplined, they did have one thing that served his purposes well - they utterly hated Protestants, especially the Protestants of Ulster.
When news of King William's Glorious Revolution reached Ireland, the Protestants immediately rallied to his standard. Many joined together to form associations (like the North East Association, under the command of the powerful and wealthy Montgomery family). These associations organised a General Council. It met at Hillsborough and dispatched a letter to William. Sensing the precariousness of their position, they asked him to come to their aid - as he had done for the Protestants of England.
William's reply was deeply encouraging and let them know that he was very sympathetic indeed to their plight. He dispatched one of his Irish Roman Catholic Officers, Richard Hamilton, to the Earl of Tyrconnell in order to demand his surrender. Upon reaching Dublin however, Hamilton switched sides and urged Tyrconnell to reject William's terms. This was a major coup for the Roman Catholic cause. It was said that, in Ireland "the papists lit bonfires when Dick Hamilton came over because he was worth ten thousand men." Hamilton would play a major part in Irish history during the months to come.
On the 3rd December 1688, a letter was found lying in the street in the County Down village of Comber. It was addressed to Lord Mount Alexander of the North East Association. The 'Comber Letter' gave warning that on the 9th of December, Irish Roman Catholics would rise up and kill landowners, their families and other Protestants. News spread like wildfire and the country was awash with rumour amid fears of a widespread massacre of Protestants.
Following the discovery of an anti-Tyrconnell coup at Trinity College Dublin, Tyrconnell wrote to James (by now an exile in France), imploring him to come to Ireland, take the country and mount a challenge for the throne of England. Tyrconnell moved quickly to wipe out any 'nest of rebels' as he put it. One such instance was in Bandon, Cork - where a strong Protestant enclave had declared for William. They were soon crushed by Tyrconnell's forces. Before the conflict, the Bandon Williamites unfurled a banner declaring 'No Surrender' - understood to be the first time in history that this famous battle cry was ever used.
Tyrconnell then turned his attention to Ulster, where he sent the newly promoted Lieutenant General Richard Hamilton and his Roman Catholic army. Hamilton progressed through Ulster with frightening speed, taking Protestant towns and villages on his path. At Dromore, Sir Arthur Rawdon (the fighting 'Cock 'o the North') organised a local troop of Protestants and prepared for battle with Hamilton's advancing army. It was no contest, the Protestants were cut to pieces in what became known as 'The Break of Dromore'. By the end of March 1689, Counties Down and Antrim were in Jacobite hands. Hamilton and his troops were on the rampage, looting and sacking every town and village that they came to. Thousands of Protestants fled in desperation. Larne was said to be 'black with people' hoping to get sea transport out of Ireland. Coleraine, Omagh and Dungannon fell to the advancing Roman Catholic army. What remained of the Protestant population was pushed further north and west to Londonderry and Enniskillen.
One observer wrote: "The flight became wild and tumultuous, the fugitives broke down the bridges and burned the ferryboats. Whole towns, the seats of Protestant population, were left in ruins without one inhabitant. The people of Omagh destroyed their own dwellings so utterly that no roof was left to shelter the enemy from the rain and wind. The people of Cavan migrated in one body to Enniskillen. The day was wet and stormy. The road was deep in mire. It was a piteous sight to see, mingled with armed men, the women and children, weeping, famished and toiling through the mud up to their knees."
Encouraged by events in Ireland, James landed at Kinsale (on the south coast of Cork) on 12th March 1689. His intention was to take Ireland, then use it as a stepping stone to invade Scotland. Upon taking Scotland, he would then proceed to England and retake his throne. He brought arms, ammunition and 2,000 men commanded by experienced French officers. As James proceeded to Dublin, he was met by throngs of cheering Irish Roman Catholics. Flowers were strewn before his coach, songs were sung and there was much rejoicing. On 24th March (Palm Sunday), in a pompous show of hubris, James entered Dublin. Tyrconnell walked before him, bearing the sword of state. The Roman Catholic gentry and city fathers came out to greet him. The whole city was filled with jubilant Roman Catholics. Having secured Dublin, he quickly decided to march against those Protestants who were held out at Londonderry. Many of the fleeing Protestants of Ulster made their way to the fortified towns of Enniskillen and Londonderry.
By December 1688, with thousands of Protestant refugees arriving, the population of Londonderry had swollen to eight times its usual number.
In the words of Lord Macaulay, the Father of British History: "All Lisburn fled to Antrim; and, as the foes drew nearer, all Lisburn and Antrim together came pouriing into Londonderry. 30,000 Protestants, of both sexes and of every age, were crowded behind the bulwarks of the City of Refuge. There, at length, on the verge of the ocean, hunted to the last asylum, and baited into a mood in which men may be destroyed but will not easily be subjugated, the imperial race turned desperately to bay."
The city's protection had been the responsibility of a mostly Protestant garrison, under the command of Lord Mountjoy. However, Tyrconnell recalled Mountjoy and his men to Dublin. Arrangements were made to re-garrison the city under the command of the Earl of Antrim, who was gathering a force of 1,200 Irish and Scottish Highlanders (all of whom were Roman Catholics). Lord Antrim had difficulty filling all of his required positions, therefore the city was left undefended for a while after Mountjoy departed. On 16th December 1688, as Antrim's troops approached Londonderry, they stopped in Limavady - where the local population were greatly alarmed by the troops' unruly and ill-disciplined behaviour. Colonel George Phillips, fearful of what was to come, immediately wrote a letter that was taken by horse to Londonderry and handed to Alderman Samuel Norman. This coincided with the arrival of Alderman Alexander Tomkins, who brought with him a copy of the Comber Letter. When the two letters were made public, the citizens were terrified and feared that they were about to be massacred by Lord Antrim's Roman Catholic army. The Governor, Colonel Lundy, thought that Londonderry's position was hopeless. He was convinced that the task of defending the city was virtually impossible, especially when news arrived that James himself would be in charge of the besieging army.
Thankfully however, the people of Londonderry themselves were made of much sterner stuff. They openly declared for William, recognising him as their rightful monarch. When the news reached William, he was determined to help the city. He dispatched Lt. Col. John Cunningham and Col. Solomon Richards to Londonderry with two regiments of soldiers. They reached the Foyle estuary on 14th April 1689 and anchored in the bay. Lundy met with Cunningham and Richards, but persuaded them that the task was so impossible that their mere presence would only serve to worsen the matter. He advised them to return to England with their men. Lundy ensured that only those who shared his views were present at this meeting. When the news spread of Lundy's decision, there was outrage in the city. Many army officers declared that they no longer considered themselves to be bound to obey the orders of the Governor. There was such a sense of betrayal that one officer was shot and another wounded whilst trying to flee the city. It was then discovered that a number of other military personnel had fled also - upon which, the passwords were changed and the guard doubled.
The next day, at a special council meeting, angry citizens remonstrated with Lundy for his treachery in sending away the very troops that William had sent in order to defend them. During this meeting, a sentry called out that the enemy was now in sight and approaching the city. Lundy (again) showed his true colours by ordering that they should not be fired upon. Major Henry Baker and Captain Adam Murray countermanded it and called the people to arms. They were supported in this by Rev. George Walker, the Church of Ireland Rector of Donaghmore (Co. Tyrone) who had taken refuge with his parishioners in the city. All able bodied men answered the call and manned the guns.
Just 4 months earlier, when James' men (under the command of Alexander MacDonnell) first approached the city - 13 young apprentices (led by Henry Campsie) took matters into their own hands. They drew their swords, grabbed the key to Ferryquay Gate and slammed it shut in the face of Lord Antrim's troops. They then secured all of the city's other gates.
By April 1689, having heard about Lundy's rejection of William's troops, James expected the city to surrender easily. He approached Bishop's Gate and demanded entry. He was greeted with gunfire (during which one of his staff officers died) and loud cries of 'No Surrender'. The former king beat a hasty retreat.
Fearing for his safety, and realising that his goose was cooked, Lundy hid himself in his own house. With the merciful and good-natured help of Murray and Walker, he disguised himself and escaped over the city walls.
Despite the absence of true leadership from Governor Lundy, and the proper legal authority attached thereto, the people of Londonderry decided to resist James' army at all costs. At a meeting of fifteen of the city's principal officers, Major Baker was chosen to act as Governor, with Rev George Walker to act as his assistant and Joint-Governor. Baker would be the military commander, whilst Walker would keep peace within the city, look after its stores and encourage the citizens to act wisely.
Eight regiments were hastily raised and constituted within the city walls. Each man was given orders to report for duty (the signal for which would be given out by drumbeat). Within a mere 24 hours, the defence of Londonderry was complete.
Anyone who wanted to leave the city was allowed to do so. This included the old, the young and the sick. 20,000 remained - 7,020 of whom were men able to fight. They were commanded by 341 officers.
Daily services were held in the cathedral and prayers were said constantly for the city's deliverance. However, the liberal Bishop (Ezekiel Hopkins) was an appeaser. He preached non-resistance - for which he was quickly denounced, forced out of the city and replaced with Rev George Walker (who now became known as Bishop Walker). Hopkins later fled to England.
As a result of this, many Protestants were forced off their lands during the 1640s. In Portadown alone, over 100 were driven off a bridge and drowned (those who tried to swim were shot or battered with oars by the insurgents until every man, woman and child had drowned). This cruel rebellion continued and was not finally crushed until Oliver Cromwell landed in Ireland (1649) with his New Model Army. Many of Cromwell's armies were paid in land confiscated from the Roman Catholic rebels. This was known as the "Cromwellian Land Settlement".
Further plantation land-acquisitions took place after 1650. By 1654, the Down Survey showed that approximately one half of Ireland's twenty million acres were in Protestant ownership (although the actual Protestant population itself was only around 20%).
When James II became King of England, he attempted to implement changes which would transfer much of this land back to Roman Catholics - part of his 'Catholic Design' plan. He appointed Richard Talbot to the peerage as Earl of Tyrone (later known as the Earl of Tyrconnell). Talbot was a shrewd Roman Catholic politician who had a controversial past. He had tried to assassinate Cromwell (for which he was caught and sentenced, but escaped on his way to prison). Under James' reign, Talbot and many other leading Roman Catholics were promoted to senior positions within the army - the Protestants of England rightly saw this as an ominous sign of things to come. The Protestants of Ulster weren't too impressed with the Earl of Tyrconnell either, they nicknamed him - 'Lying Dick Talbot'.
By January 1687, Talbot (now the Earl of Tyrconnell) had been promoted to the role of Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. In this capacity, he moved quickly and ruthlessly - placing Roman Catholics in positions of control within the state and the military. He also moved to increase the strength of the army in Ireland from 8,000 to 40,000 - a large number of unemployed Roman Catholics joined its ranks. Although many members of Talbot's new army were untrained and ill-disciplined, they did have one thing that served his purposes well - they utterly hated Protestants, especially the Protestants of Ulster.
When news of King William's Glorious Revolution reached Ireland, the Protestants immediately rallied to his standard. Many joined together to form associations (like the North East Association, under the command of the powerful and wealthy Montgomery family). These associations organised a General Council. It met at Hillsborough and dispatched a letter to William. Sensing the precariousness of their position, they asked him to come to their aid - as he had done for the Protestants of England.
William's reply was deeply encouraging and let them know that he was very sympathetic indeed to their plight. He dispatched one of his Irish Roman Catholic Officers, Richard Hamilton, to the Earl of Tyrconnell in order to demand his surrender. Upon reaching Dublin however, Hamilton switched sides and urged Tyrconnell to reject William's terms. This was a major coup for the Roman Catholic cause. It was said that, in Ireland "the papists lit bonfires when Dick Hamilton came over because he was worth ten thousand men." Hamilton would play a major part in Irish history during the months to come.
On the 3rd December 1688, a letter was found lying in the street in the County Down village of Comber. It was addressed to Lord Mount Alexander of the North East Association. The 'Comber Letter' gave warning that on the 9th of December, Irish Roman Catholics would rise up and kill landowners, their families and other Protestants. News spread like wildfire and the country was awash with rumour amid fears of a widespread massacre of Protestants.
Following the discovery of an anti-Tyrconnell coup at Trinity College Dublin, Tyrconnell wrote to James (by now an exile in France), imploring him to come to Ireland, take the country and mount a challenge for the throne of England. Tyrconnell moved quickly to wipe out any 'nest of rebels' as he put it. One such instance was in Bandon, Cork - where a strong Protestant enclave had declared for William. They were soon crushed by Tyrconnell's forces. Before the conflict, the Bandon Williamites unfurled a banner declaring 'No Surrender' - understood to be the first time in history that this famous battle cry was ever used.
Tyrconnell then turned his attention to Ulster, where he sent the newly promoted Lieutenant General Richard Hamilton and his Roman Catholic army. Hamilton progressed through Ulster with frightening speed, taking Protestant towns and villages on his path. At Dromore, Sir Arthur Rawdon (the fighting 'Cock 'o the North') organised a local troop of Protestants and prepared for battle with Hamilton's advancing army. It was no contest, the Protestants were cut to pieces in what became known as 'The Break of Dromore'. By the end of March 1689, Counties Down and Antrim were in Jacobite hands. Hamilton and his troops were on the rampage, looting and sacking every town and village that they came to. Thousands of Protestants fled in desperation. Larne was said to be 'black with people' hoping to get sea transport out of Ireland. Coleraine, Omagh and Dungannon fell to the advancing Roman Catholic army. What remained of the Protestant population was pushed further north and west to Londonderry and Enniskillen.
One observer wrote: "The flight became wild and tumultuous, the fugitives broke down the bridges and burned the ferryboats. Whole towns, the seats of Protestant population, were left in ruins without one inhabitant. The people of Omagh destroyed their own dwellings so utterly that no roof was left to shelter the enemy from the rain and wind. The people of Cavan migrated in one body to Enniskillen. The day was wet and stormy. The road was deep in mire. It was a piteous sight to see, mingled with armed men, the women and children, weeping, famished and toiling through the mud up to their knees."
Encouraged by events in Ireland, James landed at Kinsale (on the south coast of Cork) on 12th March 1689. His intention was to take Ireland, then use it as a stepping stone to invade Scotland. Upon taking Scotland, he would then proceed to England and retake his throne. He brought arms, ammunition and 2,000 men commanded by experienced French officers. As James proceeded to Dublin, he was met by throngs of cheering Irish Roman Catholics. Flowers were strewn before his coach, songs were sung and there was much rejoicing. On 24th March (Palm Sunday), in a pompous show of hubris, James entered Dublin. Tyrconnell walked before him, bearing the sword of state. The Roman Catholic gentry and city fathers came out to greet him. The whole city was filled with jubilant Roman Catholics. Having secured Dublin, he quickly decided to march against those Protestants who were held out at Londonderry. Many of the fleeing Protestants of Ulster made their way to the fortified towns of Enniskillen and Londonderry.
By December 1688, with thousands of Protestant refugees arriving, the population of Londonderry had swollen to eight times its usual number.
In the words of Lord Macaulay, the Father of British History: "All Lisburn fled to Antrim; and, as the foes drew nearer, all Lisburn and Antrim together came pouriing into Londonderry. 30,000 Protestants, of both sexes and of every age, were crowded behind the bulwarks of the City of Refuge. There, at length, on the verge of the ocean, hunted to the last asylum, and baited into a mood in which men may be destroyed but will not easily be subjugated, the imperial race turned desperately to bay."
The city's protection had been the responsibility of a mostly Protestant garrison, under the command of Lord Mountjoy. However, Tyrconnell recalled Mountjoy and his men to Dublin. Arrangements were made to re-garrison the city under the command of the Earl of Antrim, who was gathering a force of 1,200 Irish and Scottish Highlanders (all of whom were Roman Catholics). Lord Antrim had difficulty filling all of his required positions, therefore the city was left undefended for a while after Mountjoy departed. On 16th December 1688, as Antrim's troops approached Londonderry, they stopped in Limavady - where the local population were greatly alarmed by the troops' unruly and ill-disciplined behaviour. Colonel George Phillips, fearful of what was to come, immediately wrote a letter that was taken by horse to Londonderry and handed to Alderman Samuel Norman. This coincided with the arrival of Alderman Alexander Tomkins, who brought with him a copy of the Comber Letter. When the two letters were made public, the citizens were terrified and feared that they were about to be massacred by Lord Antrim's Roman Catholic army. The Governor, Colonel Lundy, thought that Londonderry's position was hopeless. He was convinced that the task of defending the city was virtually impossible, especially when news arrived that James himself would be in charge of the besieging army.
Thankfully however, the people of Londonderry themselves were made of much sterner stuff. They openly declared for William, recognising him as their rightful monarch. When the news reached William, he was determined to help the city. He dispatched Lt. Col. John Cunningham and Col. Solomon Richards to Londonderry with two regiments of soldiers. They reached the Foyle estuary on 14th April 1689 and anchored in the bay. Lundy met with Cunningham and Richards, but persuaded them that the task was so impossible that their mere presence would only serve to worsen the matter. He advised them to return to England with their men. Lundy ensured that only those who shared his views were present at this meeting. When the news spread of Lundy's decision, there was outrage in the city. Many army officers declared that they no longer considered themselves to be bound to obey the orders of the Governor. There was such a sense of betrayal that one officer was shot and another wounded whilst trying to flee the city. It was then discovered that a number of other military personnel had fled also - upon which, the passwords were changed and the guard doubled.
The next day, at a special council meeting, angry citizens remonstrated with Lundy for his treachery in sending away the very troops that William had sent in order to defend them. During this meeting, a sentry called out that the enemy was now in sight and approaching the city. Lundy (again) showed his true colours by ordering that they should not be fired upon. Major Henry Baker and Captain Adam Murray countermanded it and called the people to arms. They were supported in this by Rev. George Walker, the Church of Ireland Rector of Donaghmore (Co. Tyrone) who had taken refuge with his parishioners in the city. All able bodied men answered the call and manned the guns.
Just 4 months earlier, when James' men (under the command of Alexander MacDonnell) first approached the city - 13 young apprentices (led by Henry Campsie) took matters into their own hands. They drew their swords, grabbed the key to Ferryquay Gate and slammed it shut in the face of Lord Antrim's troops. They then secured all of the city's other gates.
By April 1689, having heard about Lundy's rejection of William's troops, James expected the city to surrender easily. He approached Bishop's Gate and demanded entry. He was greeted with gunfire (during which one of his staff officers died) and loud cries of 'No Surrender'. The former king beat a hasty retreat.
Fearing for his safety, and realising that his goose was cooked, Lundy hid himself in his own house. With the merciful and good-natured help of Murray and Walker, he disguised himself and escaped over the city walls.
Despite the absence of true leadership from Governor Lundy, and the proper legal authority attached thereto, the people of Londonderry decided to resist James' army at all costs. At a meeting of fifteen of the city's principal officers, Major Baker was chosen to act as Governor, with Rev George Walker to act as his assistant and Joint-Governor. Baker would be the military commander, whilst Walker would keep peace within the city, look after its stores and encourage the citizens to act wisely.
Eight regiments were hastily raised and constituted within the city walls. Each man was given orders to report for duty (the signal for which would be given out by drumbeat). Within a mere 24 hours, the defence of Londonderry was complete.
Anyone who wanted to leave the city was allowed to do so. This included the old, the young and the sick. 20,000 remained - 7,020 of whom were men able to fight. They were commanded by 341 officers.
Daily services were held in the cathedral and prayers were said constantly for the city's deliverance. However, the liberal Bishop (Ezekiel Hopkins) was an appeaser. He preached non-resistance - for which he was quickly denounced, forced out of the city and replaced with Rev George Walker (who now became known as Bishop Walker). Hopkins later fled to England.
A diorama of the Siege of Londonderry, made by Bro W. Rainey - presently on display at Orange Heritage Centre, Limavady.
On 19th April 1689, a Jacobite trumpeter approached the Southern Gate in order to ask if Governor Lundy's promise of an easy surrender would be kept. He returned to James' army bearing the message that the city would be defended to the last man and that the people had nothing but contempt for their former Governor.
The next day, a high ranking Jacobite officer, Claude Hamilton was sent to offer terms - which were basically a threat / ultimatum that would be carried out if the citizens did not submit to James.
As part of these terms, Colonel Adam Murray (who received the message) would be made a colonel in James' army. He was also offered a bribe of £ 1,000 if he could persuade the Protestant defenders of Londonderry to submit.
Murray's reply was: "The men of Londonderry have done nothing that requires a pardon and own no sovereign but King William and Queen Mary. It will not be safe for your Lordship to stay longer or to return on the same errand. Let me have the honour of seeing you through the lines."
When the encounter was reported to James, he returned to Dublin and left the siege in the hands of General Maumont and Richard Hamilton.
The formal military assault on Londonderry began in late April with a heavy bombardment of the city. Unfortunately for James however, his army had a shortage of the kind of artillery that would be needed in order to stage a successful attack on the city walls. Despite this, Jacobite guns and mortars (stationed in Stronge's Orchard) were nonetheless able to fire into the city with deadly effect. These mortars were particularly terrifying due to the fact that their high trajectories sent bombs crashing through the roofs of houses.
The Protestant defenders of Londonderry were equipped with upwards of twenty artillery pieces - most (if not all) of whom had been supplied by companies of the City of London. The largest (and most famous) of these canons was called 'Roaring Meg' (a gift from the Fishmongers of London).
As the siege progressed, conditions within the overcrowded city became desperate as disease and shortage of food began to take their toll. Interestingly enough, conditions in the besieging Jacobite camp weren't much better - this was due to poor supplies, inadequate shelter and very wet / cold conditions. James' own soldiers came to refer to the Siege of Londonderry as 'James' Graveyard'. They began to view being sent to Londonderry in the same way that US soldiers would later view being sent to Vietnam.
The poor conditions in the Jacobite camp greatly weakened the resolve of James' army. However, the hardships experienced by the people of Londonderry only served to strengthen their Protestant resolve to stand firm and not give in.
On 21st April, Colonel Adam Murray (one of the great Protestant military champions of the siege) led an attack on the besieging army that was stationed outside the city walls. During this attack, General Maumont of France was killed (struck by a musket ball that had been fired by Murray himself). There were many other attacks upon the Jacobite army and several high ranking officers were taken prisoner. Two captured French battle standards were hung in the Cathedral's chancel as trophies.
As a result of the military prowess and obvious determination displayed by the Protestant garrison, James' army decided to change tactics - if they could not defeat the people of Londonderry in battle, they would simply blockade the city and starve them into submission. To that end, a boom (i.e. a large barrier) was erected across the Foyle between Charles Fort and Grange Fort. This was intended to stop the Williamite navy from bringing aid or reinforcements to the besieged city. There were actually two Jacobite attempts at setting up a boom - the first was made of such heavy material that is was broken up by the current, the second one however was made of fir beams that were chained / cabled together (and therefore light enough to float on the surface).
Despite the exceedingly cautious approach adopted by the Jacobite army, there were nonetheless a significant number of military encounters between opposing forces during the siege. On 31st April, Colonel Murray led a cavalry attack on the Jacobites near Pennyburn Mill. He was forced to retreat but - as he did so - he led the Jacobite cavalry into an ambush prepared by his infantry. This resulted in a significant military setback for the besiegers. On 6th May, Colonel Murray successfully attacked Windmill Hill (which had been captured by the Jacobites on the previous day). About a month later, a more serious battle was fought at Windmill Hill, where the defenders suffered heavy losses and were driven back to the walls of the city.
When news of Londonderry's plight reached King William, he despatched an expedition under the command of Lt. General Percy Kirke. They set sail from Liverpool on 22nd May. However, due to poor weather in the Irish Sea, it was 13th June before they reached the Foyle estuary. The warship HMS Greyhound made an attempt to approach the city, but came under fire from Culmore fort and ran aground.
On 28th June, the most dangerous attack of the siege began when two pieces of artillery were brought up to fire at Butcher's Gate (located just beside the present day Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall). In addition, a mine was dug into a cellar underneath one of the bastions. This attack was only repulsed after a fierce struggle by the defenders.
In Londonderry, the people heroically defended themselves with stubborn courage against a numerically stronger and generally more experienced military force. At the same time, food was in very short supply. By 8th June, horse and dogmeat were generally the only meat that could be bought. Tallow (a 'substitute food' to put it politely) was being doled out sparingly. Even vermin meat (eg. rats, mice, etc) changed hands at an extravagant price - all in a desperate attempt to fill empty stomachs. Despite this, the sick and starving people of Londonderry clung on. In doing so, they were encouraged by their Bishop, Rt Rev George Walker, who assured them that Almighty God would send them deliverance.
Outside the cathedral, a crimson flag was hoisted on a flagpole - a defiant gesture to the enemy. Its distinctive colour, symbolic of blood and sacrifice, aptly depicted the spirit of Protestant resistance - the spirit of No Surrender!
The arrival of Kirke's ships had given the besieged citizens hope. Kirke managed to get a messenger past Jacobite lines to inform them of his arrival with arms, ammunition, troops and provisions. Sadly however, the initial joy was short lived because Kirke thought it unwise to immediately attack the enemy. He therefore stayed inactive at the mouth of Lough Foyle for several weeks.
By now, famine and pestilence was rife in the city. In one day alone, fifteen officers died. In late June, Governor Baker himself died (he was succeeded by Colonel John Michelburne).
When news of Kirke's arrival reached James in Dublin, he immediately sent a French General - Conrad de Rosen - to command the siege at Londonderry.
Rosen was a hardened soldier, well aware of the many underhand tactics which could be used in war. He immediately ordered that a shell be fired into the city containing a letter. In this letter - he threatened to round up every single Protestant between Charlemont and the sea, bring them to the city walls and starve them to death at the foot of the walls, in view of their friends and relatives within the walls. It was no idle threat. On 12th July, hundreds of women, old men and young children were brought to the foot of the city walls.
This cruel and horrific development, whilst initially distressing to the city's inhabitants, only served to strengthen their resolve further and - in an act of retaliation - a set of gallows were erected in full view of the Jacobite encampments. Having finished the construction thereof, the Protestants of Londonderry declared their intention to publically hang many of the Jacobite prisoners who had been captured during skirmishes into enemy territory. Many of these prisoners happened to be officers who were close personal friends of Hamilton and General Rosen.
Although Rosen initially wouldn't relent, two days later he allowed the Protestants at the foot of the city walls to return to their homes. Sadly however, it was too late for many of them - who now lay dead through hunger and exhaustion. Once Rosen performed this climb-down, the Protestant garrison of Londonderry dismantled the gallows.
Meanwhile within the walls, death and disease were everywhere. On 13th July, Rev Walker received a message sewn up in a cloth button. It was from Kirke and promised speedy relief. Sadly however, it had been written two weeks before and still no aid came.
Kirke's inactivity angered William and, through his Commander-in-Chief in Ireland (the famous French Huguenot general, the Marshall Duke De Schomberg), orders were sent to Kirke. He was commanded to move forward and relieve Londonderry at once. Ironically, he would have stood a much better chance to do this when he first arrived (i.e. six weeks previously).
One of the ships (HMS Mountjoy), bearing a large quantity of provisions, was captained by a Londonderry man called Micaiah Browning. He enthusiastically volunteered to take his ship through the boom. He was joined in this by Andrew Douglas of Coleraine (the Master of HMS Phoenix, which carried a large cargo of Scottish meal). HMS Dartmouth, a large frigate of 36 guns (under the Command of John Leake), was ordered to accompany them and provide protection.
The brave Williamite ships made their way up the Foyle amid a heavy bombardment of gunshot coming from Jacobite positions on the shore. HMS Dartmouth shielded the other two vessels, allowing them to go straight for the boom (assisted by many sailors in small boats, armed with axes). For Captain Browning, this was the answer to his prayers. He knew that this was his moment. Sensing the winds of history in his sails, he closed his eyes, prayed and gave the command for HMS Mountjoy - at top speed - to ram the boom with full force. The Lord answered his prayers and eventually the Mountjoy sheared right through the boom. The boom was broken and the route to the city was now clear! Sadly however, Browning himself was killed - shot as he stood on the deck of HMS Mountjoy, urging on his men. In the words of Lord Macaulay, "he died by the most enviable of all deaths, in sight of the city which was his birthplace, which was his home and which had just been saved by his courage and self-devotion from the most frightful form of destruction".
It was 10pm when the ships arrived at the quayside in Londonderry. Their precious cargo was unloaded and the siege was (for all practical purposes) effectively ended.
Jacobite guns desperately bombarded the city for three more days. However, realising that the game was up, James' defeated army lifted the siege, abandoned camp and retreated towards Strabane. Describing the scene in his journal, Bishop George Walker wrote: "the enemy ran away in the night time, and robbed and burnt all before them for several miles".
The longest and most memorable siege in British military history had come to an end after 105 days of fear, agony, famine and death.
The city's garrison had been reduced to 3,000 men.
Governor Walker estimated that the besieging Jacobite army had lost 8,000 men.
God had answered the prayers of the defenders of Londonderry - the cause of the Reformation and Ulster Protestantism stood triumphant.
The next day, a high ranking Jacobite officer, Claude Hamilton was sent to offer terms - which were basically a threat / ultimatum that would be carried out if the citizens did not submit to James.
As part of these terms, Colonel Adam Murray (who received the message) would be made a colonel in James' army. He was also offered a bribe of £ 1,000 if he could persuade the Protestant defenders of Londonderry to submit.
Murray's reply was: "The men of Londonderry have done nothing that requires a pardon and own no sovereign but King William and Queen Mary. It will not be safe for your Lordship to stay longer or to return on the same errand. Let me have the honour of seeing you through the lines."
When the encounter was reported to James, he returned to Dublin and left the siege in the hands of General Maumont and Richard Hamilton.
The formal military assault on Londonderry began in late April with a heavy bombardment of the city. Unfortunately for James however, his army had a shortage of the kind of artillery that would be needed in order to stage a successful attack on the city walls. Despite this, Jacobite guns and mortars (stationed in Stronge's Orchard) were nonetheless able to fire into the city with deadly effect. These mortars were particularly terrifying due to the fact that their high trajectories sent bombs crashing through the roofs of houses.
The Protestant defenders of Londonderry were equipped with upwards of twenty artillery pieces - most (if not all) of whom had been supplied by companies of the City of London. The largest (and most famous) of these canons was called 'Roaring Meg' (a gift from the Fishmongers of London).
As the siege progressed, conditions within the overcrowded city became desperate as disease and shortage of food began to take their toll. Interestingly enough, conditions in the besieging Jacobite camp weren't much better - this was due to poor supplies, inadequate shelter and very wet / cold conditions. James' own soldiers came to refer to the Siege of Londonderry as 'James' Graveyard'. They began to view being sent to Londonderry in the same way that US soldiers would later view being sent to Vietnam.
The poor conditions in the Jacobite camp greatly weakened the resolve of James' army. However, the hardships experienced by the people of Londonderry only served to strengthen their Protestant resolve to stand firm and not give in.
On 21st April, Colonel Adam Murray (one of the great Protestant military champions of the siege) led an attack on the besieging army that was stationed outside the city walls. During this attack, General Maumont of France was killed (struck by a musket ball that had been fired by Murray himself). There were many other attacks upon the Jacobite army and several high ranking officers were taken prisoner. Two captured French battle standards were hung in the Cathedral's chancel as trophies.
As a result of the military prowess and obvious determination displayed by the Protestant garrison, James' army decided to change tactics - if they could not defeat the people of Londonderry in battle, they would simply blockade the city and starve them into submission. To that end, a boom (i.e. a large barrier) was erected across the Foyle between Charles Fort and Grange Fort. This was intended to stop the Williamite navy from bringing aid or reinforcements to the besieged city. There were actually two Jacobite attempts at setting up a boom - the first was made of such heavy material that is was broken up by the current, the second one however was made of fir beams that were chained / cabled together (and therefore light enough to float on the surface).
Despite the exceedingly cautious approach adopted by the Jacobite army, there were nonetheless a significant number of military encounters between opposing forces during the siege. On 31st April, Colonel Murray led a cavalry attack on the Jacobites near Pennyburn Mill. He was forced to retreat but - as he did so - he led the Jacobite cavalry into an ambush prepared by his infantry. This resulted in a significant military setback for the besiegers. On 6th May, Colonel Murray successfully attacked Windmill Hill (which had been captured by the Jacobites on the previous day). About a month later, a more serious battle was fought at Windmill Hill, where the defenders suffered heavy losses and were driven back to the walls of the city.
When news of Londonderry's plight reached King William, he despatched an expedition under the command of Lt. General Percy Kirke. They set sail from Liverpool on 22nd May. However, due to poor weather in the Irish Sea, it was 13th June before they reached the Foyle estuary. The warship HMS Greyhound made an attempt to approach the city, but came under fire from Culmore fort and ran aground.
On 28th June, the most dangerous attack of the siege began when two pieces of artillery were brought up to fire at Butcher's Gate (located just beside the present day Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall). In addition, a mine was dug into a cellar underneath one of the bastions. This attack was only repulsed after a fierce struggle by the defenders.
In Londonderry, the people heroically defended themselves with stubborn courage against a numerically stronger and generally more experienced military force. At the same time, food was in very short supply. By 8th June, horse and dogmeat were generally the only meat that could be bought. Tallow (a 'substitute food' to put it politely) was being doled out sparingly. Even vermin meat (eg. rats, mice, etc) changed hands at an extravagant price - all in a desperate attempt to fill empty stomachs. Despite this, the sick and starving people of Londonderry clung on. In doing so, they were encouraged by their Bishop, Rt Rev George Walker, who assured them that Almighty God would send them deliverance.
Outside the cathedral, a crimson flag was hoisted on a flagpole - a defiant gesture to the enemy. Its distinctive colour, symbolic of blood and sacrifice, aptly depicted the spirit of Protestant resistance - the spirit of No Surrender!
The arrival of Kirke's ships had given the besieged citizens hope. Kirke managed to get a messenger past Jacobite lines to inform them of his arrival with arms, ammunition, troops and provisions. Sadly however, the initial joy was short lived because Kirke thought it unwise to immediately attack the enemy. He therefore stayed inactive at the mouth of Lough Foyle for several weeks.
By now, famine and pestilence was rife in the city. In one day alone, fifteen officers died. In late June, Governor Baker himself died (he was succeeded by Colonel John Michelburne).
When news of Kirke's arrival reached James in Dublin, he immediately sent a French General - Conrad de Rosen - to command the siege at Londonderry.
Rosen was a hardened soldier, well aware of the many underhand tactics which could be used in war. He immediately ordered that a shell be fired into the city containing a letter. In this letter - he threatened to round up every single Protestant between Charlemont and the sea, bring them to the city walls and starve them to death at the foot of the walls, in view of their friends and relatives within the walls. It was no idle threat. On 12th July, hundreds of women, old men and young children were brought to the foot of the city walls.
This cruel and horrific development, whilst initially distressing to the city's inhabitants, only served to strengthen their resolve further and - in an act of retaliation - a set of gallows were erected in full view of the Jacobite encampments. Having finished the construction thereof, the Protestants of Londonderry declared their intention to publically hang many of the Jacobite prisoners who had been captured during skirmishes into enemy territory. Many of these prisoners happened to be officers who were close personal friends of Hamilton and General Rosen.
Although Rosen initially wouldn't relent, two days later he allowed the Protestants at the foot of the city walls to return to their homes. Sadly however, it was too late for many of them - who now lay dead through hunger and exhaustion. Once Rosen performed this climb-down, the Protestant garrison of Londonderry dismantled the gallows.
Meanwhile within the walls, death and disease were everywhere. On 13th July, Rev Walker received a message sewn up in a cloth button. It was from Kirke and promised speedy relief. Sadly however, it had been written two weeks before and still no aid came.
Kirke's inactivity angered William and, through his Commander-in-Chief in Ireland (the famous French Huguenot general, the Marshall Duke De Schomberg), orders were sent to Kirke. He was commanded to move forward and relieve Londonderry at once. Ironically, he would have stood a much better chance to do this when he first arrived (i.e. six weeks previously).
One of the ships (HMS Mountjoy), bearing a large quantity of provisions, was captained by a Londonderry man called Micaiah Browning. He enthusiastically volunteered to take his ship through the boom. He was joined in this by Andrew Douglas of Coleraine (the Master of HMS Phoenix, which carried a large cargo of Scottish meal). HMS Dartmouth, a large frigate of 36 guns (under the Command of John Leake), was ordered to accompany them and provide protection.
The brave Williamite ships made their way up the Foyle amid a heavy bombardment of gunshot coming from Jacobite positions on the shore. HMS Dartmouth shielded the other two vessels, allowing them to go straight for the boom (assisted by many sailors in small boats, armed with axes). For Captain Browning, this was the answer to his prayers. He knew that this was his moment. Sensing the winds of history in his sails, he closed his eyes, prayed and gave the command for HMS Mountjoy - at top speed - to ram the boom with full force. The Lord answered his prayers and eventually the Mountjoy sheared right through the boom. The boom was broken and the route to the city was now clear! Sadly however, Browning himself was killed - shot as he stood on the deck of HMS Mountjoy, urging on his men. In the words of Lord Macaulay, "he died by the most enviable of all deaths, in sight of the city which was his birthplace, which was his home and which had just been saved by his courage and self-devotion from the most frightful form of destruction".
It was 10pm when the ships arrived at the quayside in Londonderry. Their precious cargo was unloaded and the siege was (for all practical purposes) effectively ended.
Jacobite guns desperately bombarded the city for three more days. However, realising that the game was up, James' defeated army lifted the siege, abandoned camp and retreated towards Strabane. Describing the scene in his journal, Bishop George Walker wrote: "the enemy ran away in the night time, and robbed and burnt all before them for several miles".
The longest and most memorable siege in British military history had come to an end after 105 days of fear, agony, famine and death.
The city's garrison had been reduced to 3,000 men.
Governor Walker estimated that the besieging Jacobite army had lost 8,000 men.
God had answered the prayers of the defenders of Londonderry - the cause of the Reformation and Ulster Protestantism stood triumphant.
Lord Macauley, in his 'History of England', writes:
"A people which takes no pride in the noble achievements of remote ancestors
will never achieve anything worthy to be remembered with pride by remote descendants."
The Roman Catholic author and lay theologian, G.K. Chesterton, writes:
“The one perfectly divine thing,
the one glimpse of God's paradise given on Earth,
is to fight a losing battle – and not lose it.”
"A people which takes no pride in the noble achievements of remote ancestors
will never achieve anything worthy to be remembered with pride by remote descendants."
The Roman Catholic author and lay theologian, G.K. Chesterton, writes:
“The one perfectly divine thing,
the one glimpse of God's paradise given on Earth,
is to fight a losing battle – and not lose it.”
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 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 Benvaden House (now owned by the Montgomery family).
Today, in the city of Londonderry, there are still areas of the Waterside named 'Benvarden'.
If you look at the graphic located above (depicting Bishop Walker's proclamation of victory), you will notice a woman 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 Benvaden House (now owned by the Montgomery family).
Today, in the city of Londonderry, there are still areas of the Waterside named 'Benvarden'.
The 13 Apprentice Boys
In our present era, the memory of the Siege of Londonderry lives on in the story of the 13 Apprentice Boys who closed the city's gates against James II's army on 18th December 1688. Their names, which have been immortalised forever, are as follows: Henry Campsie, Robert Morrison, James Steward, Alex Cunningham, Alexander Irwin, James Spike, John Conningham, Robert Sherrard, Daniel Sherrard, William Cairns, Samuel Hunt, William Crookshanks and Samuel Harvy.
Captain Browning
Micaiah Browning, Captain of HMS Mountjoy, did not live to enter Londonderry. He was killed by a sniper's bullet as his ship advanced up the Foyle after breaking the boom. Today Browning is remembered by 'The Browning Memorial Window' in the city's Guildhall and a stone tablet set in the city walls near the spot where his body was brought ashore.
Bishop Walker
The city's Joint-Governor and Bishop, Rt Rev George Walker, kept a diary of events and subsequently published 'A True Account of the Siege of Londonderry 1689'. After the siege, he was sent to London in order to report to King William and Parliament about events in Ireland. He then returned to fight at the Battle of the Boyne - where he died as a martyr whilst going to the assistance of General Schomberg. He is buried (alongside his wife) in the Church of Ireland Parish graveyard at Castlecaufield. The 90 ft high 'Walker Monument' - upon which a statue of him stood holding his Bible and pointing across the Foyle - was erected in 1828. It was destroyed by the IRA in 1973. Today only the plinth survives.
Governor Baker
Major Henry Baker was the Governor of Londonderry from 19th April 1689 until his death on 30th June 1689. He predecessor was the disgraced Colonel Lundy. Governor Baker was a brave solder. He died of a fever and passed his Governorship to Colonel Mitchelburne. He is buried inside St. Columb's Cathedral in Londonderry.
Governor Mitchelburne
Colonel John Mitchelburne was the Governor of Londonderry from 30th June 1689 until the end of the siege. He gave expression to the defiance of the defenders of Londonderry by flying a bloody / crimson flag from the Cathedral tower. Mitchelburne organised yearly siege commemorations up until his death. He is buried beside his comrade, Colonel Adam Murray, in Glendermott Old Churchyard.
Colonel Murray
Adam Murray was heroically involved in all of the garrison’s major battles outside of the walls - especially the Battle of Pennyburn. He was very brave, highly respected and universally renowned for always leading by example. Murray's reputation was so high amongst the siege-population of Londonderry that many of them saw him as virtually invincible.
Governor Lundy
Colonel Lundy was the Governor of Londonderry up until April 1689. His cowardly appeasement during the early part of the Siege almost led to Londonderry and its citizens being lost. He fled the city but was captured in Scotland. From there, he was sent to Westminster and confined in the Tower of London. Whilst King William did consider sending Lundy back to Londonderry in order to face trial, sadly this did not happen.