Bishops Gate; The City Gate from the Walled City in Derry
Bishops gate in Derry/Londonderry is one of four original gates into the walled city. Today we would list 6 in total, which include - Butcher Gate, Bishop Gate, Ferryquay Gate, Castle Gate, New Gate and The Magazine Gate.
Bishop's Gate was replaced by the present structure in 1789 - which was to mark the first centenary of the closing of the gates by The Apprentice Boys of Derry.
You will see this on any tour of the walls of derry - hence why it is often referred to as the walled city. Derry would also be called the maiden city of Northern Ireland or Northern Ireland's second largest city and the 4th largest in Ireland.
The history that is carried behind these gates found in Derry/Londonderry make the need to see them in real more powerful and it usually astonishes people once they come to the location and stand in front of any of these gates and take in all the history standing in front of them and the beauty they tend to carry as well.
The gate which we visited this time in Derry/Londonderry was Bishops Gate and this present gate was built at the suggestion of Bishop Hervey in 1789 to celebrate the centenary of the siege. The head in the gate that is facing Bishop Street represents the River Boyne crowned by a laurel wreath and the date refers to the Battle of the Boyne in 1690, while the head that is facing outwards is the River Foyle and the date 1689 and the ship breaking the boom recall the relief of the 1689 siege.
Some of the names which are usually given to specific cities and towns tend to refer to a specific story that is carried behind and when it comes to referring to Derry/Londonderry as the Walled City then it is important for people to know about the walls of Derry which are surrounding a specific area there and which then have those different gates which we are talking about and which Bishops Gate is one of them.
Derry/Londonderry is the second largest city in Northern Ireland and these two different names and the fourth largest city in the island of Ireland, bringing to it lots of tourists to come and check what this big city has to offer them. The name Derry came from the old prefix Doire which means oak grove and this was actually the name mostly used until in 1613 when the city was granted the Royal Charter by King James I and gained the London prefix to reflect the funding of its construction by the London guilds, and that is the reason why you will find some people referring to it as Derry and other calling it Londonderry (
This old Walled City as it is referred to, lies at River Foyle which is spanned by two bridges with the Peace Bridge being the latest one to be built there ( that connect Ebrington Square to the rest of the city centre. The views which one get to see in Derry-Londonderry especially for those by the river that are found there, always make this city different along with the history that it has to offer.
The Bishops Gate and even the rest of those gates found in the city are all from the different touristic attractions that people have to visit when they are staying at Derry. Among those which will stand on the top of our list, we will suggest visiting Austins which was a department store in the Diamond Area of Derry that was established back in 1830 and which is now standing as the world's oldest department store to be ever built. There is also the Guildhall building in Londonderry and the square in front of it where lots of events tend to take place ( Adding to these different suggestions which we have, there is also the famous St. Columb's Cathedral and St. Columb's Park that is also found there ( and the Bishop Street Courthouse.
These are considered the highlights of Derry-Londonderry or which is also known as the Walled City or the Maiden City. Bishops Gate might be from the most important of these attractions because it tells the story of giving this city the name of the Walled City and thus give people the chance to understand the place they are visiting and the things they are going to see there.
Bishops Gate is one of the four gates which are found in the city, so if you are going to visit Derry-Londonderry soon and you are thinking about those places which you are supposed to see in this second largest city of Northern Ireland then checking this gate should be a must along with those other attractions which we have suggested.
It is also a great idea to pass by the rest of those gates if you have the time and if your plan will not be ruined.These will tell much about the city and will bring you through different historical places that you are going to enjoy in this beautiful and old city in Northern Ireland.
Some of the best locations around Ireland / Northern Ireland and further afield. A travel blog/vlog of the hidden treasures that are on our doorstep.
'Boys Day Out 5.' Walking Most of Derry's Walls
Us three old Belfast boys are on a Belfast train day trip, free bus/rail pass, day to the Maiden City of Derry/Londonderry. Here we walk Derry's Wall from Shipquay Gate to St Columb's Cathedral. I intend to return soon and do the complete the walk. ( I rather slipped up here, -sorry. )
Derry (/ˈdɛri/, officially Londonderry (/ˈlʌndənˌdɛri/), is the second-largest city in Northern Ireland and the fourth-largest city on the island of Ireland. The name Derry is an anglicisation of the Old Irish name Daire (modern Irish: Doire) meaning oak grove. In 1613, the city was granted a Royal Charter by King James I and gained the London prefix to reflect the funding of its construction by the London guilds. While the city is more usually known colloquially as Derry, Londonderry is also commonly used and remains the legal name.
Derry is the only remaining completely intact walled city in Ireland and one of the finest examples of a walled city in Europe. The walls constitute the largest monument in State care in Northern Ireland and, as the last walled city to be built in Europe, stands as the most complete and spectacular.
The Walls were built in 1613–1619 by The Honourable The Irish Society as defences for early 17th century settlers from England and Scotland. The Walls, which are approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) in circumference and which vary in height and width between 3.7 and 10.7 metres (12 and 35 feet), are completely intact and form a walkway around the inner city. They provide a unique promenade to view the layout of the original town which still preserves its Renaissance style street plan. The four original gates to the Walled City are Bishop's Gate, Ferryquay Gate, Butcher Gate and Shipquay Gate. Three further gates were added later, Magazine Gate, Castle Gate and New Gate, making seven gates in total. Historic buildings within the walls include the 1633 Gothic cathedral of St Columb, the Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall and the courthouse.
It is one of the few cities in Europe that never saw its fortifications breached, withstanding several sieges including one in 1689 which lasted 105 days, hence the city's nickname, 'The Maiden City.'
apprentice boys london derry
band march
What was the Siege of Derry?
Derry was put under siege by King James' Catholic forces. It was hoped that the Protestants within the walls of the city could be starved into submission. The film is set to the Queen song - One Vision.
Donemana Pride of William 3 @ Apprentice Boys of Derry Shutting of the Gates Parade 2009
Shutting of the Gates Celebrations
Londonderry 5th of December '09
Attending;
Pride of William - Donemana
Parading down Ferryquay St into Carlisle Rd, main
procession
Pride of the Orange & Blue 1 @ Apprentice Boys of Derry Shutting of the Gates Parade 2009
Shutting of the Gates Celebrations
Londonderry 5th of December '09
Attending;
Pride of the Orange & Blue - Newbuildings
Parading down Ferryquay St into Carlisle Rd, main
procession
Somme Memorial 2 @ Apprentice Boys of Derry Shutting of the Gates Parade 2009
Shutting of the Gates Celebrations
Londonderry 5th of December '09
Attending;
Somme Memorial - Bangor
Parading down Ferryquay St into Carlisle Rd, main
procession
Manchester ABOD Parade
ABOD PARADE
South Belfast Young Conquerors 2 @ Apprentice Boys of Derry Shutting of the Gates Parade 2009
Shutting of the Gates Celebrations
Londonderry 5th of December '09
Attending;
South Belfast Young Conquerors - South Belfast
Parading down Ferryquay St into Carlisle Rd, main
procession
Eglinton Acc 3 @ Apprentice Boys of Derry Shutting of the Gates Parade 2009
Shutting of the Gates Celebrations
Londonderry 5th of December '09
Attending;
Eglinton Accordion Band - Eglinton
Parading down Ferryquay St into Carlisle Rd, main
procession
Red Hand Defenders Newtownstewart 3 @ Apprentice Boys of Derry Shutting of the Gates Parade 2009
Shutting of the Gates Celebrations
Londonderry 5th of December '09
Attending;
Red Hand Defenders - Newtownstewart
Parading down Ferryquay St into Carlisle Rd, main
procession
Pride of the Orange & Blue Old Boys 2 @ Apprentice Boys of Derry Shutting of the Gates Parade 2009
Shutting of the Gates Celebrations
Londonderry 5th of December '09
Attending;
Pride of the Orange & Blue Auld Boys - Newbuildings
Parading down Ferryquay St into Carlisle Rd, main
procession
Limavady Star of the Roe 1 @ Apprentice Boys of Derry Shutting of the Gates Parade 2009
Shutting of the Gates Celebrations
Londonderry 5th of December '09
Attending;
Star of the Roe - Limavady
Parading down Ferryquay St into Carlisle Rd, main
procession
Shankill Star 2 @ Apprentice Boys of Derry Shutting of the Gates Parade 2009
Shutting of the Gates Celebrations
Londonderry 5th of December '09
Attending;
Shankill Star - Shankill Rd
Parading down Ferryquay St into Carlisle Rd, main
procession
Hillview 2 @ Apprentice Boys of Derry Shutting of the Gates Parade 2009
Shutting of the Gates Celebrations
Londonderry 5th of December '09
Attending;
Hillview - Shankill Rd
Parading down Ferryquay St into Carlisle Rd, main
procession
Full Coverage ABOD Shutting of the Gates & Burning of Lundy Parade
Apprentice Boys of Derry - Londonderry, Northern Ireland, 7th of December 2013.TIMES OF BANDS BELOW + LINK TO OUR PHOTOGRAPHS:
** VISITING CLUBS PARADING TO THE MEMORIAL HALL **
01:00 - Wm Strain Wm Lightbody Memorial
03:53 - Hillview
04:50 - Cormeen Rising Sons of William
06:16 - South Belfast Protestant Boys
07:17 - Finaghy True Blues
06:35 - Ballyquin Loyal Sons of Ulster
09:23 - East Bank Protestant Boys
10:10 - Millar Memorial
10:50 - Whiterock
11:50 - Pride of Orange & Blue Auld Boys
12:41 - East Coast Protestant Boys
13:35 - Lower Woodstock
14:00 - Castlederg Young Loyalists
14:50 - Moneydig Young Conquerors
15:30 - Corps of Drums Ballymena
16:10 - Dervock Young Defenders
16:45 - Pride of the Bann
18:05 - Dungiven Crown Defenders
19:10 - Cullybackey Maine Defenders
19:50 - Red Hand Defenders Newtownstewart
20:55 - Pride of William Donemana
22:00 - Dunmurry Protestant Boys
** MAIN PARADE - parading to the Cathedral **
23:02 - Burntollet Sons of Ulster
24:50 - Wm Strain Wm Lightbody Memorial
25:39 - Pride of the West
26:03 - Lower Woodstock
26:30 - East Coast Protestant Boys
28:27 - Castlederg Young Loyalists
29:18 - Churchill
29:49 - East Bank Protestant Boys
30:18 - Pride of William Donemana
30:32 - Cormeen Rising Sons of William
31:00 - Burntollet Sons of Ulster
32:30 - Wm Strain Wm Lightbody Memorial
33:24 - Pride of the West
33:47 - Lower Woodstock
34:18 - East Coast Protestant Boys
34:47 - Castlederg Young Loyalists
35:38 - Churchill
36:25 - East Bank Protestant Boys
37:17 - Pride of William Donemana
37:45 - Cormeen Rising Sons of William
38:30 - William King Memorial
39:32 - Ballyquin Loyal Sons of Ulster
40:10 - Corps of Drums Ballymena
42:10 - Pride of the Orange & Blue
43:30 - Dunmurry Protestant Boys
45:01 - Star of the Roe Limavady
45:45 - Whiterock
46:55 - Hillview
47:40 - Dervock Young Defenders
48:10 - Millar Memorial
49:00 - Dungiven Crown Defenders
49:40 - Pride of the Orange & Blue Auld Boys
50:30 - South Belfast Protestant Boys
51:05 - Finaghy True Blues
51:49 - Pride of the Bann
52:25 - Cullybackey Maine Defenders
52:55 - Moneydig Young Conquerors
53:30 - Red Hand Defenders Newtownstewart
54:50 - Lord Carson Memorial Accordion
** RETURN PARADE - parading back to Bishop Street **
55:42 - East Coast Protestant Boys performing to the crowd outside the Cathedral
57:09 - Burntollet Sons of Ulster
58:40 - Churchill
59:40 - Ballyquin Loyal Sons of Ulster
01:00:23 - Moneydig Young Conquerors
01:01:16 - Pride of the Orange & Blue
01:01:53 - Cormeen Rising Sons of William
01:02:20 - East Coast Protestant Boys
** PARADING ALONG FERRYQUAY STREET **
01:03:08 - Burntollet Sons of Ulster
01:04:20 - Finaghy True Blues
01:05:01 - Churchill
01:05:35 - South Belfast Protestant Boys
01:06:15 - Ballyquin Loyal Sons of Ulster
01:07:10 - Pride of the West
01:07:35 - Moneydig Young Conquerors
01:08:15 - Pride of the Orange & Blue
01:09:30 - Cormeen Rising Sons of William
01:10:15 - East Coast Protestant Boys
01:11:15 - William King Memorial
01:12:00 - East Bank Protestant Boys
01:13:10 - Dungiven Crown Defenders
01:14:08 - Lower Woodstock
01:15:00 - Star of the Roe Limavady performing the snake
01:15:55 - Lord Carson Memorial Accordion
01:16:18 - Cullybackey Maine Defenders
01:17:00 - Whiterock
01:18:00 - Castlederg Young Loyalists
01:18:55 - Corps of Drums Ballymena
01:19:25 - Pride of the Bann
01:20:00 - Dervock Young Defenders
01:21:12 - Red Hand Defenders Newtownstewart
01:21:50 - BANDS LINING UP WAITING FOR LUNDY TO BURN
01:23:12 - RED HAND DEFENDERS NEWTOWNSTEWART PERFORMING TO THE CROWN & BURNING OF LUNDY
** VISITING CLUBS PARADING BACK TO THE WATERSIDE FOR THEIR BUSES **
01:27:40 - Pride of the West
01:28:25 - Cormeen Rising Sons of William
01:29:10 - Lord Carson Memorial Accordion
01:29:50 - Millar Memorial
01:30:32 - Cullybackey Maine Defenders
01:31:30 - Lower Woodstock
01:33:08 - Red Hand Defenders Newtownstewart
01:35:00 - Pride of the Orange & Blue Auld Boys
01:35:46 - Red Hand Defenders Newtownstewart
01:37:43 - Castlederg Young Loyalists
01:38:18 - East Coast Protestant Boys
Millar Memorial 2 @ Apprentice Boys of Derry Shutting of the Gates Parade 2009
Shutting of the Gates Celebrations
Londonderry 5th of December '09
Parading down Ferryquay St into Carlisle Rd, main
procession
William King Memorial 1 @ Apprentice Boys of Derry Shutting of the Gates Parade 2009
Londonderry 5th of December '09
Attending;
William King Memorial
Parading down Ferryquay St into Carlisle Rd, main
procession
Rising Sons of the Valley 2 @ Apprentice Boys of Derry Shutting of the Gates Parade 2009
Shutting of the Gates Celebrations
Londonderry 5th of December '09
Attending;
Rising Sons of the Valley - Kilkeel
Parading down Ferryquay St into Carlisle Rd, main
procession
Moygashel Sons of Ulster 2 @ Apprentice Boys of Derry Shutting of the Gates Parade 2009
Shutting of the Gates Celebrations
Londonderry 5th of December '09
Attending;
Sons of Ulster - Moygashel
Parading down Ferryquay St into Carlisle Rd, main
procession