01/08/2025
The Lifting of the Siege – 1st August 1689
Today, 1st August, marks the 336th anniversary of the lifting of the Siege of Londonderry, an event of profound historical, religious and cultural significance in the history of the British Isles. While the Associated Clubs of Apprentice Boys will celebrate this anniversary on Saturday 9 August, it is important on this day to pause and reflect carefully on why this event is commemorated, what exactly transpired and who the key players were whose courage and sacrifice continue to resonate centuries later.
The Siege of Londonderry was a pivotal episode in the Williamite War in Ireland (1688–1691), itself a theatre of the larger conflict sparked by the Glorious Revolution. After our Great Deliverer, William of Orange deposed Catholic father-in-law King James II, Ireland became a key battleground due to its mixed population and strategic importance within the British Isles.
Londonderry, a fortified city in the northwest of Ulster, was predominantly Protestant and deeply loyal to King William and Queen Mary (James’ Daughter). When Jacobite forces loyal to James II advanced, the city’s inhabitants took decisive action: the gates were famously shut in December 1688 by 13 brave Apprentice Boys, initiating a resistance that would last through a prolonged siege.
The siege officially began in April 1689, with Jacobite forces under General Richard Hamilton, later reinforced by French allies and commanded by Marshal de Rosen, attempting to force the city’s surrender by starvation and bombardment. The city’s defenders endured severe hardship. Estimates suggest the population shrank from approximately 30,000 to fewer than 12,000 by the time relief arrived due to starvation, disease and casualties.
The critical moment in this ordeal came in late July 1689. The Williamite government had dispatched a relief fleet under Major-General Percy Kirke, tasked with breaking the Jacobite blockade on the River Foyle. A timber boom had been placed by the besiegers across the river near Culmore Fort, effectively cutting off all resupply by sea.
On 28 July, three ships namely, Mountjoy, Phoenix, and Dartmouth attempted to breach the boom. The Mountjoy, commanded by Captain Michael Browning, rammed the boom and successfully broke it despite coming under heavy fire and Browning himself being killed during the attempt. This feat allowed the ships to enter the city and deliver essential food and ammunition, alleviating the desperate conditions of the citizens.
Following this breakthrough, the Jacobite forces recognized the futility of continuing the siege in the face of renewed supplies and rising morale within the city. On 1 August 1689, the besieging army withdrew. Though there was no decisive battle, the lifting of the siege constituted a major strategic and symbolic victory for the Williamite cause.
The annual commemoration is not merely a ritualistic observance of a historical event. It is a deliberate act of remembrance that affirms the values for which the people of Londonderry stood: religious liberty, resistance to tyranny, communal solidarity and faith in divine providence.
The defenders of Londonderry represented a community united by shared religious and political convictions in a deeply divided and turbulent period of the British and Irish history. Their stand was emblematic of the broader struggle for constitutional monarchy and Protestant ascendancy across these islands. The Relief of Londonderry has therefore become a symbol of the defence of these enduring principles in the face of adversity.
Moreover, the event has been interpreted historically as a manifestation of divine favour, interpreted through covenant theology prevalent the Protestant community, as a vindication of the Protestant cause and a sign that God protects those who stand for truth and liberty.
While many perished during the siege, the memory of individuals such as Colonel Adam Murray, who helped organise the defence and Rev. George Walker, who provided both spiritual and practical leadership as governor, endures. Captain Browning’s sacrifice during the breaking of the boom also remains a focal point of heroic remembrance.
The Apprentice Boys, who closed the city gates against the Jacobite forces in December 1688, are commemorated annually as a symbol of resistance and courage.
Their legacy continues to inspire successive generations to reflect on the importance of vigilance in defence of liberty.
As we approach the Relief of Londonderry celebrations on Saturday 9 August, it is vital to approach the occasion not simply as a festive event but as an opportunity for sober reflection on our heritage and values.
In a world often marked by division and uncertainty, the story of the Maiden City reminds us that steadfastness, unity and faith can overcome even the most daunting challenges. The city's survival through the siege did not simply preserve stone walls; it safeguarded a community’s way of life and a vision of freedom that resonates still.
NO SURRENDER🇬🇧
