"This book is the first comprehensive study of medieval Derry. According to legend, Derry originated as a monastery founded by St Columba/Colum Cille. That story was almost certainly a later rationalization and simplification of a complex reality arising from Derry{u2019}s capture from the Cenél nÉnnai kingdom in the late 6th century by the saint{u2019}s people, the powerful Cenél Conaill. By the 9th century, Derry was in the hands of the latter{u2019}s conquering enemies {u2013} Cenél nEógain of Inishowen. They further developed the Columban legend for propaganda purposes. In the 12th century, under the dynamic Mac Lochlainn kings, the enlarged settlement at Derry became a centre of significant political and cultural influence and the headquarters of the Columban churches in Ireland. Later {u2013} with the defeat of the Mac Lochlainns {u2013} Derry too declined. It would enjoy a brief revival in later medieval times under the O{u2019}Donnells, who also harnessed the Columban legend. The settlement was captured by the English in 1600, however, bringing about the end of its Gaelic identity. Lacey has been writing about medieval Derry since the 1980s; in this book, he revisits those studies {u2013} revising and augmenting them, examining previously little-used sources and emphasizing Derry{u2019}s changing fortunes in the contexts of contemporary secular politics." -- back cover.
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Medieval and monastic Derry : sixth century to 1600 by Brian Lacey. ISBN 9781846823831. Published by Four Courts Press in 2013. Publication and catalogue information, links to buy online and reader comments.
