By the end of the 17th century Ireland had over 40 fortified towns and cities – few of which were situated in Ulster. When the Walls of Derry were built between 1614 and 1619 they proved to be the most formidable and enduring in that province.
Similar fortifications are to be found throughout Europe today. In England it is still possible to walk around the city Walls built at Chester 2,000 years ago by the Romans and at York by the Normans 900 years ago. But Derry is the only city in Ireland which has preserved its Walls in their entirety.
Derry's Walls have survived in such good condition partly because they are so young – less than 400 years old – but mainly because so many citizens and organisations made sure over the centuries that this imposingly unique and central feature of our heritage should be preserved.
The story behind their construction and momentous history began in the 12th century.