BattlefieldsSiege of Derry
Jacobite Risings

Siege of Derry

1689
Londonderry, Ireland
Also known as: Siege of Londonderry 1689
Era
Jacobite Risings
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Londonderry, Ireland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Jacobite forces (Richard Hamilton)
Forces
Jacobite army c.15,000–20,000. Longest and most famous Irish siege.
VS
Victor
Williamite garrison (Apprentice Boys, Governor Walker)
Forces
Williamite garrison c.7,000–8,000
Outcome
Siege lifted after 105 days; garrison saved by Williamite relief ships
The Battle

History & Significance

The most famous siege in Irish history. The Protestant apprentice boys shut the city gates against the Jacobite army in December 1688. The city endured 105 days of siege, starvation and disease. The walls were never breached. Governor Walker became a Protestant hero. Relief ships finally broke the boom on the Foyle on 28 July 1689. The relief of Derry is commemorated annually by the Apprentice Boys. The siege became a founding myth of Ulster Unionism.

Casualties & Losses

c.7,000 garrison and civilians died of famine and disease

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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