Why thousands of men march to commemorate a 1689 siege in Northern Ireland

Cultures · Published 10 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Founded in 1814, the Apprentice Boys of Derry is a Protestant fraternal society dedicated to remembering the 1689 Siege of Derry. While these parades were once flashpoints for intense sectarian conflict, the organization has evolved, now hosting diverse cultural festivals and pursuing a more conciliatory approach to their public demonstrations.

The society traces its roots to December 1688, when thirteen young men famously shut the city gates against Jacobite forces. This act of defiance sparked a brutal siege that lasted until July 1689, when relief ships finally breached a river barricade. The human cost was staggering, with roughly 4,000 people—half the city's population—perishing from starvation or injury. Today, the society commemorates this survival through two primary annual events: the 'Shutting of the Gates' in December and the 'Relief of Derry' in August.

Governance of the association is managed by a General Committee representing eight parent clubs, including the No Surrender and Walker clubs. Membership remains exclusive to Protestant men, who must be initiated within the historic city walls. Their traditions are deeply symbolic, featuring the wearing of crimson collarettes to honor the flag flown from the cathedral during the siege. A particularly striking custom involves the ritualized burning of an effigy representing Robert Lundy, the governor who once proposed negotiating with the enemy.

The organization's history is inextricably linked to the broader political climate of Northern Ireland. In 1969, a parade around the city walls preceded the Battle of the Bogside, an event often cited as the beginning of the Troubles. However, the modern era has seen a shift toward peace-building. The August commemorations have expanded into the week-long Maiden City Festival, incorporating bluegrass music, arts exhibitions, and participation from minority communities. While the society maintains a global presence with branches in countries like Australia and Canada, its core identity remains anchored to the walls of Derry, where it continues to balance historical memory with contemporary efforts toward reconciliation.

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