What was Derry called first?

Londonderry
The aim was to settle Ulster with a population supportive of the Crown. It was then renamed “Londonderry”. This city was the first planned city in Ireland: it was begun in 1613, with the walls being completed in 1619, at a cost of £10,757.

Where did Derry get its name?

The name Derry comes from the Irish word doire, meaning “oak grove.” “London” was appended as a prefix to the name in 1613 when King James I granted the city a royal charter.

What is the main town of Derry?

Towns in County Derry The largest town the County is the City of Derry. Other principal towns are Coleraine, Limavady, Portswart, Dungiven, Maghera and Magherafelt.

What is Derry a nickname for?

Derry is a male given name, often an abbreviation of Diarmuid or its anglicisiation Dermot. It can also be a diminutive of Alexander. Among those with the name are: Derry Beckett (born 1918), Gaelic footballer and hurler from Cork, Ireland.

What came first Derry or Londonderry?

The London prefix was added to Derry when the city was granted a Royal Charter by King James I in 1613. In 1984, the name of the nationalist-controlled council was changed from Londonderry to Derry City Council, but the city itself continues to be officially known as Londonderry.

Who built Londonderry?

(Tradition says St Columba founded it). In time a settlement grew up by the monastery. However, for centuries, Derry was a rather small settlement. It did not become truly important until the 17th century.

Should I call it Derry or Londonderry?

Generally, although not always, nationalists favour using the name Derry, and unionists Londonderry. Legally, the city and county are called “Londonderry”, while the local government district containing the city is called “Derry City and Strabane”.

Is Derry the same as Londonderry?

What is the county town of Derry?

Coleraine
County Londonderry

County Londonderry Contae Dhoire Coontie Lunnonderrie
Region Northern Ireland
Province Ulster
Established 1613
County town Coleraine

Which side of Derry is Catholic?

The Waterside is a mainly Protestant and unionist area, while the rest of Derry City is mainly Irish Catholic and nationalist. During the Troubles, the Waterside’s Protestant population grew, probably as a result of Protestants moving there from the west side of the river.

Who changed Derry to Londonderry?

Ulster Unionist councillor William McCandless said the “official name of the city is Londonderry”. He said it was a name that “unites the two communities – London for the British tradition and Derry for the Irish tradition”.

Was Londonderry renamed?

Legally, the city and county are called “Londonderry”, while the local government district containing the city is called “Derry City and Strabane”. The district of Derry and Strabane was created in 2015, subsuming a district created in 1973 with the name “Londonderry”, which changed to “Derry” in 1984.