1639 folio shows how city was divvied up inearly 17th century

A 17TH century folio showing how the City of London divvied up the city during the Plantation has been put on display at the Guildhall as part of Londonderry’s 400th birthday celebrations.
©/Lorcan Doherty Photography June 10th 2013. 


Mandatory Credit Lorcan Doherty©/Lorcan Doherty Photography June 10th 2013. 


Mandatory Credit Lorcan Doherty
©/Lorcan Doherty Photography June 10th 2013. Mandatory Credit Lorcan Doherty

An exhibition entitled Plantation: Process, People, Perspectives provides an interactive insight into the decisions and events of early 17th century, showcasing original maps, drawings and museum objects on loan from other institutions and using personalities to explore that period of history to provide an understanding of the conflicts of the past.

A folio from a “Great Parchment Book” relates to Londonderry itself and shows details about the new landowners and tenancy payments that followed the Plantation.

“This timing of the Plantation exhibition, which will be used as an anchor to the wider city story for locals and visiting tourists, is coinciding with not only our year as City of Culture but also the 400th Anniversary of the Charter which marked the beginning of The Irish Society, set to task with paying for the expenses of the Plantation and the rebuilding of the city and, at that time, the surrounding areas throughout the County.”

He added: “Significant links between the Irish Society and the City of London are evident throughout the interactive exhibition and in many other aspects of the Guildhall including the stain glass windows, many of which were donated by the Livery companies, links which will be promoted be also the world premier of ‘At Sixes and Sevens’ cantata event this July, the first concert to be held in the newly restored building.”

Bernadette Walsh, Archivist with Derry City Council said: “Not only did we secure an original folio from the Great Parchment Book, but the page actually relates to the land in the city.

“The book is an important source for the City of London’s role in the colonisation and administration of Ulster and has been unavailable to researchers for over 200 years. Dating back from 1639, it includes valuable information about the land owners and tenancy payments at that time.”

The exhibition is now open in the Guildhall daily from 10am-5.30pm including Saturdays and Sunday. Entrance to the Guildhall building and exhibition is free of charge. For more information visit www.derrycity.gov.uk/Guildhall or telephone 02871 376510.

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