City Walls Heritage Project

The two local organizations are calling for a group to come together to create a full set of uniforms typical for a company of Volunteers which was established in Derry between the 1770s-80s, using skills and tools consistent with the period. Specialist advice and materials will be provided by an expert in costumes from the Georgian Period.

The project is the latest in a series of events planned for this autumn by the City Walls Heritage Project, launched at a special event on Sunday afternoon. Living history performers provided by the Playhouse and Northern Period Productions took those who attended back in time to the 1780s, to the days of the Earl Bishop, Frederick Augustus Hervey, when Volunteer Companies were being formed in the City.

There was a demonstration of the firing of a cannon on the hour and it was possible to interact with the characters to discuss their weapons, their fashion and the political issues of the day. The Cathedral was open for the afternoon and the Dean, Very Rev Dr William Morton, played some pieces on the Cathedral organ. As well as marking the start of the National Heritage Week, the details of autumn programme of events, for Walls Alive! 2012, were also released at the event.

The Dean said: “The Cathedral was pleased to be part of National Heritage Week and to be partnering the Holywell Trust in its project to bring the City Walls alive. In addition to its primary purpose as a place of worship, dedicated to Saint Columba, the Cathedral understands it has an important role to play in preserving the heritage of the City”.

Announcing the autumn programme of events, Eamonn Deane, Director of the Holywell Trust explained why they had chosen the 1780s as period to focus on.

“One of the aims of the City of Culture Year will be to give people the space to write a new narrative for Derry, based on a full understanding of the history which has got us to this point, but unconstrained by it. At the end of the 18th Century, Derry was also going through a similar period of transformation, influenced by events in America and France, so it seemed appropriate to use this period as the theme for our autumn activities in the run-up to 2013.”

Pauline Ross at The Playhouse, said: “We want anyone who has an interest in helping us create bespoke and unique costumes, so come along and exploring this craft from an expert in historical pieces. All of these upcoming events are a unique opportunity for both local people and visitors to this city to bear witness, participate and enjoy in the most entertaining way, the rich tapestry that is our people and our history.”

Full details of the autumn programme can be found here or copy and paste this web address into your browser bar: www.walls400.com