Press Release

Roaring Meg to get a makeover

Monday, 06 September 2004

Roaring Meg, the most famous of the cannon guns used in the 1689 Siege of Derry was on the move over the weekend.

The cannon, which has been in the care of the Apprentice Boys of Derry for the past 30 years, was returned on Sunday to the city authorities for its restoration by metal conservation specialists. Once restored, Roaring Meg will be returned to its traditional location on the Double Bastion on Derry’s 17th Century City Walls.

The cannon was returned on Sunday to the city authorities for its restoration by metal conservation specialists.

Billy Moore of the Apprentice Boys of Derry explained: “Roaring Meg” was given its nickname because of the loud noise it made when it was fired during the 1689 Siege. Its barrel is marked with the text ‘Fishmongers London 1642’ and was one of 24 cannons sent over by the City of London and the London Companies after the 1641 Siege.

The city’s splendid collection of 17th century siege guns are being conserved and restored to the City Walls as part of the EU-funded project being managed by the Council’s Economic Development Section.

Councillor Helen Quigley, chairperson of the City Marketing Committee, said: “The historic Walled City of Derry has been designated as a ‘signature tourism project’ for Northern Ireland. The City Council is working closely with the Northern Ireland Tourist Board to secure investment for an action plan to make the Walled City a world-class visitor experience. Restoring the siege cannons to the embattlements is one of the first initiatives in this Signature Project Action Plan.”

Building on the tourism theme, Mark Lusby, the Council’s Senior Economic Development Officer said: “Being able to tell the living history of Ireland to visitors, the Walled City of Derry has immense tourism potential. The Story of Derry stretches from monastic times, through plantation and siege right up to the recent times of the civil rights movement and the troubles. Roaring Meg, which was mentioned by Lord Macauley in his ‘History of England’ is an important part of that story.”

Ends

Notes to Editor: Images are available on request

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