Join me on a stroll around this walkable workaday town and see if YOU can decide whether to call it Derry or Londonderry…
… in a place where a semblance of normalcy and signs of reconciliation clash with highly visible signs of unresolved wounds and sectarian division.
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About Frank’s Photography
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Disclaimers
- Frank makes no claims of expertise regarding “The Troubles”.
- Frank chooses no sides, except to stand with innocent people on every “side” who suffer injustice and violence everywhere in the world.
- This photo essay could never do justice to the complex history of and current political state of Irish-British relations.
- I will leave that task to you and others to sort out the contributing factors of colonialism, nationalism, class struggle, ethnicity, religion, and sectarianism.
- Frank’s goal here is to raise some awareness, remember those caught in the crossfire, celebrate the wisdom and courage of the peacemakers, and highlight the importance of every act of peace-making in our daily lives.
Signs on the Road to Derry or Londonderry
It largely depends on whether you’re in Ireland or Northern Ireland, which direction you’re going, and if someone has managed to add their opinon to the sign.
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Money in Northern Ireland
British pounds are a tangible reminder that Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom…
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Bogside Views
Bogside viewed from atop the old city walls…
The old city walls viewed from Bogside…
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Cityside Street Scenes
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Bogside Murals, Memorials, and Political Statements
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Fountain Neighborhood
Loyalist Mural in the Fountain Neighborhood…
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Signs of Reconciliation
A special moment with Derry (yes, that’s his actual name) a Protestant man who volunteers to teach visitors about his experience at The First Presbyterian Church inside the old city walls (Cityside).
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Peace Bridge
The Peace Bridge over the River Foyle, built to bridge the physical and political gap between largely Unionist Waterside on the East bank with largely Nationalist Cityside on the West bank…
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Peace Park
Children’s peace messages at Peace Park (Cityside)…
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Also see… (London)Derry 1961 Easter Rising Centennial
Discover more from Frank J. Peter
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I’ve been to Derry a couple of times. My Irish Catholic relatives are very clear that it’s Derry not Londonderry. What I realized when I visited was that the version of events I heard growing up in England was VERY different than the experience my cousins lived through. It was eye opening.
Thanks for sharing your experience, Michelle. A lesson in considering the source and reason to be extremely careful about accepting secondhand information. Cheers.
I have not been over to Ireland Frank… but its on my to do list… And hope to hop on the ferry from England in the future..
Loved the photos. thank you for sharing them. And love the quotes xx
Thanks a million for the words of appreciation, Sue.
Worldwide travel (which I count among my precious privileges) has been a huge part of my education as a human being in so many ways.
You should indeed pop on over. You’d love the Irish and they’d love you back.
Thank you Frank…. I have also had the privilege of travelling extensively all over Europe, also Sri Lanka, Canada .. You get to see so much, but I have not the USA… Scotland and Wales, many times… Yet still not to Ireland…
Its on my bucket list to do… 🙂 And I love the Irish , and I am partial to a glass of Guinness 🙂
Slàinte Mhath! 🍻
Cheers!!🍺
Your photo collection made a strong impression on me. The history is still very much alive in Derry, it seems. Some people want peace, but some obviously have not seen violence and death enough. I somehow understand it, the times of constant violence have not been very far back yet. It takes time to heal, but some of the posters just scream “don’t you dare to forget and move on”. My bet is on the young generation, who might see the insanity of oppression (for what really) and killing.
Thanks for the words of appreciation, Stella, and for adding your thoughts.
I share your sentiment about betting on the young generation. Here’s hoping.
A wonderful collection of photos, Frank! They tell a fascinating story of the lived experiences, sentiments, conflicts and aspirations of the people through time! Thank you for sharing a window into their world through your photos!
Thanks for the most kind words of appreciation, Anita. It’s heartening to know that sensitive, decent people like you are out there.
Thanks for a good look at a storied city.
Thanks for the appreciating this photo essay, Wayne. Happy occasional travels to you.
Extraordinary, Frank! The photos are so crisp: they look like they were taken very recently. Such a poignant and painful reminder of the folly of ignoring our common humanity–and the inspiration from those who rise above that folly. Thank you for sharing this important visit.
Thanks a million for the most kind words of appreciation, Annie.
I’m hoping that visitors here might take this as an invitation to do more than lament, blame, and complain about the sorry state of the union these days.
Thanks, as always, for your passion and work you do in the name of democracy.