'Simple courage and determination can change the course of history': Apprentice Boys ready for Londonderry's final big parade of the year, the Shutting Of The Gates on Saturday
“Remember the actions of 13 young apprentices in 1688, and reflect on how simple courage and determination can change the course of history.”
That’s the message from the Apprentice Boys of Derry as they get ready for the big closing parade of the year, the ‘Shutting of the Gates’, on Saturday.
Celebrated on the first Saturday in every December, the event commemorates the actions of 13 Apprentice Boys who shut Londonderry’s city gates to keep the forces of King James II out in December 1688, as war over the British throne brewed.
Jacobite troops laid siege to the city for gruelling months, before they were routed by the forces of William of Orange who relieved Londonderry in August 1689.
Saturday’s event is one of the two biggest in the organisation’s calendar; according to the Met Office, the day’s predicted to be cloudy but with a low chance of rain for the bulk of the main events, with temperatures between 7C and 9C.
In advance of the weekend’s big festivities, the governor of the associated clubs of the Apprentice Boys of Derry, William Walker, was keen to reinforce that the day is a solemn one, keeping the actions of the 17th century ‘Brave 13’, as they’re popularly known, fresh in mind.
“We look forward to welcoming our Members and engaged bands to Londonderry on Saturday,” he said.
“This is a solemn day of commemoration. All those visiting should remember the actions of the 13 young apprentices in 1688, and reflect on how simple courage and determination can change the course of history.
“As we recall the events of 1688 within the walls of Londonderry, and walk where those within the city stood, suffered and died, we expect all to respect the city and the values of the association.
Mr Walker called on attendees to join a service of thanksgiving in St Columb’s Cathedral on London Street, adding: “Parade with dignity and decorum, and ensure the day honours the Brave 13.”
General Secretary David Hoey added: “This is a day to recall the significance of the Shutting of the Gates in our history, to recall that the actions of the Brave 13 continue to echo through generations and to confirm our unwavering resolution to be faithful to the cause of civil and religious liberty for all.”
Kicking off at midnight with a symbolic firing of a cannon on the city walls – firing once then three times, signifying 13 for the original apprentices – the first event is the traditional ‘touching of the gates’, which sees members of the Browning Parent Club make their way to each of the four original city gates, following the actions of their forebears 337 years ago.
Moving into the main daytime celebrations, the opening of the general committee at 10am is followed at 11.45am by visitng branch clubs parading from Waterside’s railway station to the Apprentice Boys Memorial hall on Society Street.
At 1.15pm, the main leaves the memorial hall along Bishop Street, moving via the Diamond and through Ferryquay Gate onto Carlisle Road and the Fountain, concluding at St Columb’s for a 2pm service thanksgiving – the latter the focal point of the day, with a wreath laid at Siege Heroes Mound in the cathedral grounds.
At 3.15pm the parade heads the same route in reverse, with heading to Bishop Street for 4pm’s traditional burning of an effigy of “Lundy the Traitor”. At 4.30pm, events conclude as visiting clubs return to the Waterside.