COPIES of some of the oldest images of the Plantation of Ulster have been made available to mark the 400th anniversary of the completion of Derry’s walls.
Along with copies of documents from the time, they are part of a new exhibition being staged by the Public Record Office (PRONI) in the city.
“Plantations in Ulster, 1600-41" opened adjacent to the walls at Derry's Central Library yesterday.
The only remaining completely intact walled city in Ireland, Derry’s walls were built between 1613 and 1690 as a defence for settlers from England and Scotland who came to Ireland as part of the Plantation of Ulster.
Approximately one mile in circumference, they are adorned with cannon from the Siege of Derry, including the huge Roaring Meg.
The walls have become one of the main attractions of the city and are used by thousands of visitors as a walk-way, providing views of outlying areas.
The exhibition includes copies of many unique documents from the time, including drawings of Plantation of Ulster fortifications.
These include rare plans of Culmore fort outside Derry as well as maps of Limavady and Coleraine.
PRONI director Michael Willis said the walls’ 400th anniversary and the exhibition gave it a perfect opportunity to showcase what it does.
The exhibition will remain at Derry’s Central Library until the end of May before going on tour.
