Liam's Irish Traditional Music - Irelands culture and tradition

Confusion was felt throughout the areas of Protestant settlement, and rumours of Catholic massacres of Protestants spread like wildfire from town to town. King James ordered a new Catholic garrison to relieve the old one in Derry. The leading citizens did not wish to seem disloyal to the King, but thirteen young apprentices took, a swift decision against the wishes of their elders. They slammed the gates of their city shut on 7 December 1688, shouting "No Surrender! A red flag was raised as the siege began. James and his army were shut outside the city walls.

Alderman Norman and the rest of the graver citizens were under great disorder and consternation, and knew not what to resolve upon. One of the companies was already, in view of the of the town and two of the officers within it, but the younger sort who are seldom so dilatory in their resolutions, got together, run in all haste to the main guard snatch up the keys, and immediately shut up all the four gates and the magazine.

Source: an account of the siege of London-Derry (1689) by the Reverend George walker quoted in James Carty (ed.), Ireland 10607 - 1782 C. J. Fallon Ltd, 1949)

The following extracts are from eyewitness accounts of the siege of Derry James did not close in on Derry immediately and full siege Condition began only in April and were to last until July 1689,

The Irish army appeared before our city but at that distance that one of our cannons had enough to do to reach them; but in short time they approached nearer to our walls In the first place we burned all our suburbs and hewed down all our brave orchards, making them about as plain as a bowling green. We have been surrounded in this poor city for divers months exposed to danger without ceasing or intermission we have seen death in all its horrible shapes, and we are every moment entertained with spectacles of misery and mortality. Sickness and disease are entered within our gates, and pale famine is visible in every countenance One‑friend looks at another, and sees his misery but cannot prevent a lingering death We cannot refresh, ourselves with such scraps and morsels as we formerly allowed to our dogs. Nerveless God has made us this day a defended city and an iron pillar and brazen walls Against the, whole land.

Source: a sermon preached by the reverend Mr Sethwhittle, 1689, quoted in James Carty (ed.) Ireland 1607 - 1782, C. J. Fallon Ltd, 1949

Conditions inside Derry were very difficult and thousands died of starvation. William of Orange was not prepared to give the city immediate help, and it was some time before he gave orders to send in relief ships sailed up the river Foyle twice before daring to break the boom had been set across the river. On 28 July the ships broke through with supplies, and the siege was broken.