Apprentice Boys of Derry Conduct Lundy Effigy Burning Following Delay

The Apprentice Boys of Derry have carried out their customary burning of an effigy representing Lt Col Robert Lundy, an event that had been deferred because of a storm. This ritual constitutes a central element of the yearly Shutting of the Gates demonstrations held in Londonderry; however, it was initially put off on Saturday owing to severe weather conditions brought by Storm Darragh. While the primary parade proceeded as scheduled over the weekend, attendance levels were impacted by numerous train and bus cancellations throughout Northern Ireland. An effigy of Lundy, referred to as Lundy the Traitor, is incinerated annually because of his proposal to capitulate to the advancing Jacobite army during the 17th-century Siege of Derry. Each year, thousands of Apprentice Boys from various parts of Northern Ireland participate in the annual Shutting of the Gates commemorations within the city. These events observe the anniversary of the Siege of Derry, specifically recalling the Shutting of the Gates incident, where 13 apprentices secured the walled city’s entrances against the advancing forces of the Catholic King James II in December 1688. The siege extended for 105 days and resulted in over 10,000 fatalities, with most victims being civilians. On Saturday, branch clubs visiting for the event gathered at the North-West Transport Hub in the Waterside and commenced the initial parade around 11:30 GMT. The procession’s path led clubs and bands across the upper level of Craigavon Bridge, heading towards the Apprentice Boy’s Memorial Hall. The principal parade occurred at 13:15 GMT, circling the city centre, and concluded with a remembrance service at St Columb’s Cathedral. The concluding parade commenced approximately at 15:15 GMT and concluded its route in the Waterside. Saturday’s proceedings also included the official induction of William Walker as governor of the Associated Clubs of the Apprentice Boys, succeeding Graeme Stenhouse in the role. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.