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The Apprentice Boys of Derry is a
fraternal organization which primarily commemorates the successful
defence of the city of Londonderry against the forces of King James
II between 1688 and 1689. This defensive action began when one of
King James’ regiments attempted to enter the city in December 1688
and lasted until the city was relieved by the arrival of Captain
Browning’s cargo ship, the Mountjoy, together with the cargo ship
Phoenix, and supported by the frigate Dartmouth and a longboat from
the warship Swallow with the cargo ship Jerusalem in reserve, late
in the evening of the last day of July 1689. The siege was the
longest of any city in the British Isles and was one of the
significant events in the evolution from the absolute rule of a King
or Queen in western Europe, to that of rule by the People
(represented by a Parliament) and based on a Bill of Rights; the
(British) Bill of Rights of 1689. |
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Vita Veritas Victoria |
Most credit for the formation of the Apprentice Boys Association and
the celebrations must go to the Siege Governor and the hero Colonel
John Mitchelburne. To him must be ascribed the distinction and
honour of preserving trophies of triumph captured during the Siege
and placing them in the Cathedral. The giving of the City and the
Apprentice Boys their own distinctive Crimson colour and flag. The
formation of the first Apprentice Boys club of which he was
principle organiser and probably first President, forerunner of
later Governors. The planning of the earliest anniversary
celebrations. The first hoisting of the Crimson Flag on the
Cathedral tower.
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Apprentice Boys On Parade
In Londonderry |
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