Siege of Derry

54°59′38″N 7°19′34″W / 54.994°N 7.326°W / 54.994; -7.326

Siege of Derry
Part of the Williamite War
A photo showing cannons on the ramparts of Derry
Cannons on the walls of Derry
Date18 April – 1 August 1689
Location
Result

Williamite victory

  • City relieved by Royal Navy ships
Belligerents
Williamites Jacobites
Kingdom of France France
Commanders and leaders
Henry Baker
Adam Murray
George Walker
John Mitchelburne
King James II (exiled)
Richard Hamilton
Kingdom of France Conrad de Rosen
Strength
~8,000 ~21,000
Casualties and losses
4,000 killed (mostly by disease) or wounded

The siege of Derry in 1689 was the first major event in the Williamite War in Ireland. The siege was preceded by an attempt against the town by Jacobite forces on 7 December 1688 that was foiled when 13 apprentices shut the gates. This was an act of rebellion against James II.

The second attempt began on 18 April 1689 when James himself appeared before the walls with an Irish army led by Jacobite and French officers. The town was summoned to surrender but refused. The siege began. The besiegers tried to storm the walls, but failed. They then resorted to starving Derry. They raised the siege and left when supply ships broke through to the town. The siege lasted 105 days from 18 April to 1 August 1689. It is commemorated yearly by the Protestant community.