The Beginnings of Derry
Derry started out as an ancient settlement known under the name of Doire, which is an Irish word meaning an Island Oak Grove. It is believed that it was first inhabited by Druids – ancient priests worshiping Celtic and Pagan gods, who believed in the sacredness of the grove.
The first historical references of the region date back to the 6th century AD, when according to a legend today’s patron of the city – St Columba, founded a Christian monastery within the area of the current county. While a small settlement at first, Derry started to thrive in the 12th and 13th centuries, when it had come under the patronage of the Mac Lochlainn dynasty. After Mac Lochlainns a few other dynasties settled in Derry, including aristocrats Norman de Burgos, whose association with Derry is represented by a skeleton in Derry’s coat of arms.
The second half of the 16th century marked the attempts of the conquest of Ulster by the English Crown. These plans eventually came to fruition after the Flight of the Earls – the fleeing of O’Neill and O’Donnell, earls (nobility) of Ireland, and their supporters, which left the province leaderless.
Plantation of Derry
The Plantation in Ulster is a term referencing the colonisation of the area by English and Scottish Protestant immigrants started during the reign of James I. The whole project was supervised by the guilds of London, eventually causing change of the name of the town, which since then has been officially called Londonderry. Plantation additionally urged the reorganisation of the settlement, which was to become the first completely planned city in Ireland and also establishment of The Walls around the city, which have been retained to this day.
During the settlement of Protestants the city prospered slowly while suffering rebellions and revolutions, ultimately leading to one of the most major events connected with The Walled City – The Siege of Derry. Events connected with the establishment and plantation of Derry are also presented in the free exhibition located inside Derry’s Guildhall.