The Guildhall - Most Impressive Landmark in Londonderry
The History of Guildhall
The Guildhall is one of Derry's most outstanding landmarks and has been so since the 1800s. An iconic building that has seen many events and witnesses history in the making, Guildhall stands in the center of the city to this day as a must-see spot for visitors in Derry-Londonderry.
Name
It was originally named Victoria Hall as it was a prevailing custom at the time to name locations around the British Empire after the current reigning monarch. The current name of the building comes in honor of its connection to the City of London and its guilds.
Location
The Guildhall building is located in Derry, County Londonderry,
It serves as a meeting place for the elected members of Derry and Strabane District Council. It is also home to the Derry City Council chamber and the Mayor’s Parlour.
Description
As you cross the entrance to The Guildhall, you’ll find a welcoming note “The Guildhall is one of Derry’s most recognizable landmarks and has been at the heart of the city life since 1890.” As you continue down the hall, you’ll have a beautiful view of the majestic painted windows next to tall plaques retelling the history of the building and the region. The Guildhall also contains exhibitions showcasing old books that contain ancient maps and descriptions of the area as well. A maquette also stands detailing what seems to be what the region looked like in old times. The exterior of the building features neo-gothic architectural designs and a majestic clock tower.
The Guildhall includes a large hall where many social and political events have been held over the years, including Halloween carnivals, the Christmas lights switch-on, the Christmas European Market. The square in front of the Guildhall is the main city square in Derry-Londonderry, making it a focal location in the city, as they are also surrounded by shopping, cultural and touristic areas.
Architecture
Originally built by The Honourable The Irish Society. The red sandstone building is of neo-gothic architecture, with Tudor overtones. The Guildhall contains stunning stained glass windows that portray the history of Derry, and were created by a Belfast firm called Campbell's. It is also said that it has the second largest clock face in the British Isles (next to Big Ben). The building is basically made up of Dumfrese sandstone, marble, oak panelling, ornate ceilings and stained glass windows.
Upon entering the building, one encounters a window featuring the Royal Coat of Arms, the Seal of Empire and the symbols of the principal British overseas Dominions, to celebrate imperial unity.
Former mayors and other civic officers also donated windows to be placed in the building, often depicting modern economic developments in the city. Throughout the building, other windows feature the achievements of the three Irish divisions in the British Army.
The most recently placed window in the Guildhall commemorates the victims of Bloody Sunday, 30 January 1972. In the centre, from top to bottom, is a trail of poppies symbolizing remembrance for the dead, whose names are written on crosses. The window was commissioned by Derry City Council.
Frank McDonald of the Irish Times commented on the Irish Georgian Society’s Conservation Awards won for the reconstruction of the building, What impressed the jury (which included myself) about Derry’s Guildhall was not just the internal spatial rearrangement, but also the meticulous work done to the exterior in rebuilding its ornate gable, which had been leaning outwards, as well as complete repointing of the stonework and restoration of the stained glass windows.
Jury member Dr. Eddie McParland noted, “The recarved stonework was excellent, lots of original details were kept and the original ceiling of the council chamber was revealed.”
Construction
The Guildhall was originally built in the 1600s and was located in the Diamond area of the Walled City, but unfortunately it was destroyed by fire and its location was turned later on into a city square. The new Guildhall was opened in July 1890 after three years of construction work to complete the building.
On 21 September 1912, the London Times reported on the building's opening ceremony, declaring that The Londonderry Guildhall is a fine modern building, the chief treasures in which are the stained glass windows presented by the various London Companies that once owned land in Ireland, and have not forgotten the old association.
Major restorations were done to the building in 2010 by contractors H & J Martin. The cost of the restoration work was estimated at £3M, including the stonework, roofs, windows and stained glass, as well as the clock.
As for the construction work done to the interior of Guildhall, it was estimated to have cost around £5M.
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Review Maldron Hotel Derry (Derry / Londonderry, United Kingdom)
Maldron Hotel Derry (Derry / Londonderry, United Kingdom)
Address: Butcher Street
Hotel Discounts Here:
Star Ratings: 4
Maldron Hotel Derry (Formerly The Tower Hotel) is perfectly located for both business and leisure guests in Derry / Londonderry. The hotel offers guests a range of services and amenities designed to provide comfort and convenience. Take advantage of the hotel's 24-hour front desk facilities for disabled guests express check-in/check-out luggage storage room service. Guestrooms are fitted with all the amenities you need for a good night's sleep. In some of the rooms guests can find heating desk telephone satellite/cable TV toiletries. Recuperate from a full day of sightseeing in the comfort of your room or take advantage of the hotel's recreational facilities including fitness center sauna. No matter what your reasons are for visiting Derry / Londonderry Maldron Hotel Derry (Formerly The Tower Hotel) will make you feel instantly at home.
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DERRY (LONDONDERRY), EXPLORING this beautiful CITY in NORTHERN IRELAND
SUBSCRIBE!! - Let's walk around Derry (or, Londonderry), a beautiful city located in Northern Ireland and let's admire and enjoy its most beautiful and famous sites. Vic Stefanu, vstefanu@yahoo.com. Derry, officially Londonderry, is the second-largest city in Northern Ireland and the fourth-largest city on the island of Ireland. The old walled city lies on the west bank of the River Foyle, which is spanned by two road bridges and one footbridge. The city now covers both banks (Cityside on the west and Waterside on the east).
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The Guildhall Square in Londonderry; The City's Event Centre
THE GUILDHALL SQUARE DERRY-LONDONDERRY -
The History of Guildhall - The Guildhall building is located in Derry, County Londonderry (see what we did there!), Northern Ireland, For Sat Nav’s – use the following postcode – BT48 6DQ. The Guildhall is one of Derry’s most outstanding landmarks and has been so since the 1800s. An iconic building that has seen many events and witnessed history in the making, Guildhall stands in the center of the city to this day as a must-see spot for visitors in Derry-Londonderry.
The Guildhall
It serves as a meeting place for the elected members of Derry and Strabane District Council. It is also home to the Derry City Council chamber and the Mayor’s Parlour. There are often events held here – from craft fairs to weddings. Halloween is always special in Derry – and The Guildhall plays an important part of that.
As you cross the entrance to The Guildhall, you’ll find a welcoming note “The Guildhall is one of Derry’s most recognizable landmarks and has been at the heart of city life since 1890.” As you continue down the hall, you’ll have a beautiful view of the majestic painted windows next to tall plaques retelling the history of the building and the region. The Guildhall also contains exhibitions showcasing old books that contain ancient maps and descriptions of the area as well. A maquette also stands detailing what seems to be what the region looked like in old times. The exterior of the building features neo-gothic architectural designs and a majestic clock tower.
The Guildhall includes a large hall where many social and political events have been held over the years, including Halloween carnivals, the Christmas lights switch-on, the Christmas European Market. The square in front of the Guildhall is the main city square in Derry-Londonderry, making it a focal location in the city, as they are also surrounded by shopping, cultural and touristic areas.
History & Architecture
Originally built by The Honourable The Irish Society in 1890 – this building was destroyed by fire in 1908 and rebuilt in 1912. The red sandstone building is of neo-gothic architecture, with Tudor overtones. The Guildhall contains stunning stained glass windows that portray the history of Derry, and were created by a Belfast firm called Campbell’s. It is also said that it has the second largest clock face in the British Isles (next to Big Ben). The building is basically made up of Dumfries sandstone, marble, oak panelling, ornate ceilings and stained glass windows.
Upon entering the building, one encounters a window featuring the Royal Coat of Arms, the Seal of Empire and the symbols of the principal British overseas Dominions, to celebrate imperial unity.
Historical Events Affecting Guildhall
As inner conflicts spread across Northern Ireland during The Troubles, a three-decade conflict between Irish nationalists and unionists, the Guildhall was subjected to several terror attacks. In 1972, the building was severely damaged by two bombs, but it was fortunately restored and reopened in 1977.
The Guildhall was also used as the location for the Saville inquiry; an official public investigation, into the events of Bloody Sunday.
On 27 August 1968 over one hundred demonstrators protested against housing conditions at Londonderry Corporation’s monthly meeting by occupying the Guildhall chamber.
The building also hosted a visit by US President Bill Clinton in 1995.
In 2010, a time capsule containing newspapers and coins dating back to 1887 has been discovered during the restoration work at the Guildhall in Derry City. The items date back to August 23rd, 1887 when the first foundation stones of Guildhall were built.
Stain Glass Windows - The Guildhall
In July 2016 the Guildhall welcomed its one millionth visitor since the restoration in 2013.
It is home to the Feis Doire Colmcille; a well-known event which celebrate Irish culture.
1980: Premiere of Brian Friel’s classic play, Translations.
Comments from Visitors
With millions of visitors who have passed through this beautiful site, it has already received numerous online reviews, such as: “Nice building with free access hosting temporary exhibitions and some permanent items in walking distance from the city centre”, “This is a beautiful building with so much History attached in the square where a lot of events take place... Close to all” and “This is a beautiful building both inside and out. Stand back and marvel at the architecture – as it climbs its way into the sky – you are free to look around indoors with certain areas restricted – but again a beautiful building.”
Be sure to check out our main video on The Guildhall Derry/Londonderry - and
And you will find more videos:-
Derry Londonderry-An Amazing View of the Maiden City-Everyone should visit Derry and walk the walls.
Check out Derry now in this short video, see what Derry daily life is like. Derry is the 2nd city of Northern Ireland, it is situated in the UK, but on the Island of Ireland. It is often called the Maiden City or the Walled City in Northern Ireland.
Sometimes it is referred to as Derry and in other cases it is called Londonderry and this has been the subject of a name dispute between Irish nationalists and unionists; nationalists are the ones to call it Derry while unionists are those who refer to it as Londonderry. When it comes to the legal side, it is known as Londonderry.
It is not about the name of the city but it is about the things to do there and the places to visit in it. Our journey in this beautiful city started with Londonderry Courthouse which is one of the old buildings that are found in the city and which you will at some point pass by.
Austins was the second place to pass by in Derry/Londonderry. Austins is the world's oldest independent department store that was established back in 1830 by Thomas Austin and it has been working since that time until today. It is not just for the sake of shopping, but this old building is another reason why one will come to it and know more about the history of its foundation.
Among the other touristic attractions of this city in Northern Ireland, we came to the Bishop's Gate which was built at the suggestion of Bishop Hervey in 1789 to celebrate the centenary of the siege. Bishop's Gate will take you to Bishop's street and there you could have a stroll down doing nothing specific (
Among the list of places which we visited in Londonderry, we have been to The Craft Village. The Craft Village is the reconstruction of an 18th century street and 19th century square that provide an eclectic mix of artisan craft shops, balconied apartments and different restaurants and coffee shops which one could sit it and enjoy their time. We have walked across this village and loved every detail related to it and we would suggest it for those who will be visiting Derry anytime soon and there you will also find souvenir gifts to take back home to your friends and family.
Moving forward with our trip, we visited the Guildhall and Square which is another touristic attraction for people to visit while being in Derry. The Guildhall in Derry is an old building that is standing there from 1890 and it is the building in which the elected members of Derry and Strabane District Council meet. The old 17th century Guildhall was first located in the Diamond area of the Walled City but this building was then destroyed by fire and the new building was assigned to be built in a city square. In addition to the social and political meetings which are held in the Guildhall, this is also the place where the Feis Doire Colmcille - an event which celebrates Irish culture - is held. Guildhall Square which is just in front of the building is the main city square in Derry - Londonderry and is also the place where different important and beneficial events are usually held (
One of the other things that people tend to check while they are in Derry/Londonderry is the Peace Bridge. Peace Bridge was opened back in 2011 by Johannes Hahn and it is both a cycle and foot bridge that crosses over River Foyle. The aim of the bridge was to connect Ebrington Square to the rest of the city centre, and that what happened eventually with this bridge that is one of the newest three to be found in Derry (
The last stop in this video around the city of Derry in Northern Ireland is Shipquay Gate which is one of the original four city gates dating back from 1805. It is interesting to come across those different old gates which stand from the history until today but which will bring you to the modern world that you are living in - they give the city a different kind of atmosphere.
These are the places we passed by in Derry/Londonderry, but if you are searching for something more then you could check the rest of the gates found there and you could also consider visiting St. Columb's Park which is one of the most famous to be found in Derry/ Londonderry (
Back in 1613, the city was granted a Royal Charter by King James I and gained the London prefix to reflect the funding of its construction by the London guilds and from that time the legal name has been Londonderry although some people refer to it as Derry.
Derry tourism is growing in recent years - and there is plenty now to do in Derry on a night out. The city itself is a great walk with many historic points especially the walls that surround the city. Doire as it is called in Gaelic - is well worth a visit by any tourist
Derry Londonderry-An Amazing View of the Maiden City-Everyone should visit Derry and walk the walls.
Best Bars Pubs & hangout places in Derry, United Kingdom
Welcome to Derry, United Kingdom Food and Drinks Guide. This is MUST WATCH video if you are looking for the best wine and dine spots in Derry. We have sorted our top picks for Pubs / Bars and places to hang out in Derry for you after reviews received by our users and our in house Travel Specialists.
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List of Best Bars and Pubs in Derry
Granny Annies
Badgers Bar and Restaurant
Peadar O'Donnell's
Sandinos
The Bentley Bar
Guildhall Taphouse
Dungloe Bar
Shantallow House
Blackbird
River Inn
Please note :
- The background images shown in the video is for beatification purpose only, these images are NOT the actual pics of the place mentioned in the video.
- We and our channel DO NOT support drinking Alcohol in any way, This video has been made on request of our users / subscribers.
- Drinking Alcohol is injurious to Health.
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Guildhall Square Derry 360
Guildhall Square Derry 360
UK: NORTHERN IRELAND: US PRESIDENT CLINTON VISITS LONDONDERRY
English/Nat
US President Bill Clinton continued his triumphant tour of Northern Ireland with a visit to the city of Londonderry, a former hot-bed of sectarian violence.
Clinton was given a rapturous welcome.
U-S First Lady Hillary Clinton was first up onto the podium. Then it was the turn of her husband.
Their faces said it all.
Everywhere they've gone in Northern Ireland the welcome has been the same -- warm and verging even on the boisterous.
The city has a particular resonance in Ulster's troubled history.
It was in Derry in October 1969 that the province's first violence flared and during 25 years of the troubles the city has been the scene of the worst street fighting.
But today peace was on everyone's lips.
The crowd were impatient to listen to the man they had come to hear speak, and on whom many have, rightly or wrongly, pinned their hopes of peace in the province.
UPSOUND CROWD: We want Bill, we want Bill.
SOUNDBITE:
In a minute, in a minute. You'll get Bill in a minute, no problem. SUPER CAPTION: Councillor John Kerr, Mayor of Londonderry.
Clinton said the future of Northern Ireland was in the hands of the people and that after so much violence it was time for the peacemakers to be heard.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
Everyone in life has at some to decide what kind of person he or she is going to be. Are you going to be someone who defines yourself in terms of what you are against or what you are for? Will you be someone who defines yourself in terms of who you aren't, or who you are? The time has come for the peace makers to triumph in Northern Ireland. And the United States will support them as they do.
SUPER CAPTION: Bill Clinton, U-S President
The Christmas lights are already up in the Derry and the people of this city must hope that the seasonal message of peace and goodwill will finally hold.
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Derry Guild Hall :HD
Derry Guild Hall :HD
Guildhall - London England
The historic London Guildhall has portions remaining that date back to 1411. I was fortunate to attend a dinner meeting there and turned some of my photos into a pictorial video of how the Guildhall looks today.
SYND 16/06/72 BOMB EXPLODES AT GUILDHALL, LONDONDERY AND IRA HOLDS FREE DERRY REFERENDUM
(16 Jun 1972) Bomb explosion damage to the Guildhall and IRA organized Free Derry referendum in Londonderry.
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Places to see in ( Derry - UK )
Places to see in ( Derry - UK )
Derry, also known as Londonderry, is a city on the River Foyle in Northern Ireland. It’s known for the intact 17th-century Derry’s Walls with 7 gates. Within the walls, spired St. Columb’s Cathedral displays artefacts from the 1688–9 Siege of Derry. Near the Peace Bridge, the Tower Museum has city views and historical exhibits. Huge stained-glass windows adorn the neo-Gothic red sandstone Guildhall.
Derry is the second-largest city in Northern Ireland and the fourth-largest city on the island of Ireland. The name Derry is an anglicisation of the Old Irish name Daire (modern Irish: Doire) meaning oak grove. In 1613, the city was granted a Royal Charter by King James I and gained the London prefix to reflect the funding of its construction by the London guilds. While the city is more usually known colloquially as Derry, Londonderry is also commonly used and remains the legal name.
The old walled city lies on the west bank of the River Foyle, which is spanned by two road bridges and one footbridge. The city now covers both banks (Cityside on the west and Waterside on the east). The district administered by Derry City and Strabane District Council contains both Londonderry Port and City of Derry Airport.
Derry is close to the border with County Donegal, with which it has had a close link for many centuries. The person traditionally seen as the founder of the original Derry is Saint Colmcille, a holy man from Tír Chonaill, the old name for almost all of modern County Donegal, of which the west bank of the Foyle was a part before 1610. In 2013, Derry was the inaugural UK City of Culture, having been awarded the title in 2010.
Alot to see in ( Derry - UK ) such as :
Tower Museum
Free Derry Corner
St Eugene's Cathedral
St Columba's Church, Long Tower
Prehen House
Grianan of Aileach
Derry City walls
Museum of Free Derry
Peace Bridge
Creggan Country Park
Foyle Valley Railway
Bloody Sunday Monument
Free Derry Museum
St. Columba's Church, Long Tower
Saint Columb's Park
( Derry - UK) is well know as a tourist destination because of the variety of places you can enjoy while you are visiting the city of Derry . Through a series of videos we will try to show you recommended places to visit in Derry - UK
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Derry, Northern Ireland
Derry, Northern Ireland
Discover the city vibe | Derry~Londonderry | TV Ad
Derry, Northern Ireland - Travel Around The World | Top best places to visit in Derry
Top best places to visit in Derry, Northern Ireland
Derry or, more officially, Londonderry is the second largest city of Northern Ireland.
The city is also nicknamed the Maiden City by virtue of the fact that its walls were never breached despite being besieged on three separate occasions.
Derry is the only remaining walled city in Ireland that is completely intact and it is one of the finest examples of a walled city in Europe.
There are many historical buildings that can be visited when walking down the City Walls.
St Columb’s Cathedral is the mother church of the Ireland Diocese of Derry.
Situated along the City Walls, First Derry Presbyterian Church has recently been re-opened and is now used as a place of worship.
Another admirable church of great importance is the neo-Gothic St Augustine’s Church.
Located within the historic walls Tower Museum, the main museum of the city, tells the story of the city from prehistory to the present.
Right in the center of Derry is a monument dedicated to the citizens who lost their lives during World War I, the Diamond War Memorial.
In the Bogside neighborhood is a historical landmark, a free-standing gable wall, that commemorates Free Derry.
In the same area of the Free Derry Museum is the Bloody Sunday Memorial.
But the Bogside is best known for its large political murals found on the walls of Free Derry Corner.
A more contemporary sculpture in the city, known as Hands Across the Divide, serves as a symbol of the two communities coming together.
Outside of the city walls are many important landmarks worth visiting, such as:
St Eugene’s Cathedral, where there is the Roman Catholic minster.
St Columba’s Church Long Tower, the Roman Catholic Church with the beautiful altar.
And the Guildhall, a large hall where many social and political events have been held.
The Guildhall is located between City Walls and the River Foyle.
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Intro & Outro:
UNITED KINGDOM: Londonderry (Nothern Ireland, UK)
UNITED KINGDOM: Londonderry (Nothern Ireland, UK)
Londonderry (Derry) is the second-largest city in Northern Ireland and the fourth-largest city on the island of Ireland. The name Derry is an anglicisation of the Old Irish name Daire (modern Irish: Doire) meaning oak grove.
In 1613, the city was granted a Royal Charter by King James I and gained the London prefix to reflect the funding of its construction by the London guilds. While the city is more usually known colloquially as Derry, Londonderry is also commonly used and remains the legal name.
The old walled city lies on the west bank of the River Foyle, which is spanned by two road bridges and one footbridge. The city now covers both banks (Cityside on the west and Waterside on the east).
The population of the city was 83,652 at the 2001 Census, while the Derry Urban Area had a population of 90,736. The district administered by Derry City and Strabane District Council contains both Londonderry Port and City of Derry Airport.
Derry is close to the border with County Donegal, with which it has had a close link for many centuries. The person traditionally seen as the founder of the original Derry is Saint Colmcille, a holy man from Tír Chonaill, the old name for almost all of modern County Donegal, of which the west bank of the Foyle was a part before 1610.
In 2013, Derry was the inaugural UK City of Culture, having been awarded the title in 2010.
Лондонде́рри, также Де́рри (англ. Londonderry, Derry; ирл. Doire, или Doire Cholm Chille) — город в северо-западной части Ольстера (Северной Ирландии), административный центр одноимённого графства, крупный экономический центр и морской порт. Второй по населению город в Северной Ирландии после Белфаста и 4-й по населению на всём острове Ирландия.
Город лежит в характерной холмистой местности. Он расположен у устья реки Фойл, которая впадает в Лох-Фойл, являющийся, по существу, её эстуарием. Река протекает через город в глубокой долине, старый укреплённый город лежит на холме на левом берегу. Раньше река разделялась на рукава, обтекающие холм со всех сторон, но со временем западный рукав пересох, оставив на своём месте болотистую низменность, известную как Богсайд.
Современный Дерри раскинулся по обоим берегам Фойла, часть вокруг старого города известна как Ситисайд, а на противоположном берегу — как Вотерсайд. Две части соединены двумя автомобильными мостами и одним пешеходным («Мост мира»). Единственная часть города, не расположенная на крутых холмах, лежит на северо-востоке, на берегах Лох-Фойл, в основном на отвоёванных у моря землях. Сегодня там расположен один из важнейших птичьих заказников в Великобритании.
Другие важные природоохранные зоны расположены в Парке Несс, 10 миль (16 км) к востоку от города; и в Прехен-Вуд в юго-восточном пригороде.
(Filmed August 2018)
Provisional IRA holds Free Derry referendum & bombs Derry Guildhall 16 June 1972
(no sound for a few seconds but comes in) Provisional IRA holds a referendum in Free Derry & blows up the Guildhall for I think the fourth time, it was one of the most blown up buildings in Ulster along with the Europa hotel in Belfast
Amelia Earhart Festival 2013 Guildhall Square Derry, City Of Culture
Amelia Earhart Festival 2013 Guildhall Square Derry, City Of Culture
IRA Derry Brigade kill 3 British soldiers in landmine attack in Dungiven, Derry 24 June 1972
Three British soldiers were killed by an IRA land mine attack near Dungiven, County Derry. This was just three days before the Provisional IRA called it's 1972 ceasefire.