Siege of Derry

Timeline

1. 1688Gates of Derry · UlsterJames II's Irish government sent Catholic troops to take over the Protestant colonial city of Derry. Thirteen apprentices inside the city rushed to close the gates, refusing to admit the garrison. This action took place after William's landing in England and around the time of James's flight, making Derry a symbol of open resistance in Ulster against the Jacobite regime.
2. 1689Outside the walls of Derry · UlsterJames II, returned from France, personally led Jacobite forces and French military advisers to Derry; his demand for surrender was refused, and the walls rang with cries of 'No surrender.' Governor Lundy, who favored peace, was driven out by the citizens as a coward or collaborator. Henry Baker, Adam Murray, George Walker, and others directed the defense. After Jacobite assaults on the walls failed, they switched to siege and laid a boom across the Foyle to block the sea route.
3. 1689The Foyle and the city of Derry · UlsterDuring the siege the city ran out of food and plague spread; most defender casualties came from hunger and disease. Schomberg, appointed commander-in-chief by William, pressed Percy Kirke to act. On 28 July the Dartmouth suppressed shore batteries while the Mountjoy rammed and broke the boom, and the Phoenix followed with grain. Unable to win by blockade, the Jacobites lifted the siege in early August. Derry's stand secured the Williamite position in Ulster and prepared the northern gateway for the Battle of the Boyne the following year.