March 29th , 1613
Derry is an ancient settlement. Its name is believed to be derived from the Gaelic word doire meaning a grove of oak trees. Derry, the city, is the county town of Co. Derry and is the second largest city in Northern Ireland. Derry or Londonderry (in Irish, Doire or Doire Cholm Chille), often called the Maiden City, is a city in Northern Ireland. It was nicknamed the Maiden City by virtue of the fact that its walls were never penetrated during the siege of Derry in the late 17th century. The old walled city of Londonderry lies on the west bank of the River Foyle, but the city now covers both banks and is connected by two bridges.
During the Plantation of Ulster by English and Scottish settlers, a new walled city was built across the River Foyle from the old site by the Irish Society, a consortium of the livery companies of the City of London.
The city is currently officially named Londonderry according to the citys Royal Charter and usually appear as such on maps. The name was changed from Derry in 1613 during the Plantation of Ulster to reflect the rebuilding of the city by the London guilds.
In recognition of the London investors, the 1613 charter stated “that the said city or town of Derry, for ever hereafter be and shall be named and called the city of Londonderry”.
The name Derry is primarily used by nationalists in Northern Ireland, with unionists preferring the citys official name, Londonderry. Among the citys inhabitants, most nationalists and some unionists use Derry. In the Republic of Ireland, the city and county are still referred to as Derry. In official use the city is always known as Londonderry, although some local organizations name themselves after Derry - for example, City of Derry Airport and Derry City Council.
Derry is one of the longest continuously inhabited places in Ireland. The earliest historical references date to the sixth century A.D. when a monastery was founded there by St. Columba, but for thousands of years before that people had been living in the vicinity.
Derry-Londonderry was the first ever planned city in Ireland: it was begun in 1613, with the walls being completed 5 years later in 1618. The central diamond within a walled city with four gates was thought to be a good design for defence. The grid pattern chosen was subsequently much copied in the colonies of British North America.
The modern city preserves the 17th-century layout of four main streets radiating from the Diamond to four gateways - Bishops Gate, Ferryquay Gate, Shipquay Gate and Butchers Gate. Historic buildings within the walls include the 1633 Gothic cathedral of St Columb.
