HISTORY

History of the Guildhall

1887-2010

START
1887
Beginning of the Build

Foundation stone was laid for the new Guildhall. It was designed by John Guy Ferguson and funded by The Irish Society. A time capsule containing coins and newspapers was placed behind it.

1890
Official Opening

The official grand opening of the Guildhall to the public.

1908
Fire

A disastrous fire destroyed everything except the clock tower and rear block.

1912
Rebuild

The Guildhall was rebuilt to a design by Matthew Alexander Robinson.

1912
Guildhall Organ

The famous Guildhall organ designed by Sir Walter Parrat was installed. The organ has 3,132 pipes and is the second largest concert organ in Northern Ireland.

1912
Stained Glass Windows

The first of the stained glass windows was unveiled, attributed to Sir Alfred Newton and designed by Campbell Brothers of Belfast.

1922
First Derry Feis

The first Feis Ceoil, later the Londonderry Feis, took place in the Guildhall.

1943
United States Marine Corp Arrival

United States Marine Corp hold a public parade in Guildhall Square to mark the anniversary of their arrival in Derry. The city played a pivotal role during the Second World War (1939 – 1945).

1953
Billy 'Spider' Kelly

Local boxer Billy ‘Spider’ Kelly victoriously takes on Belfast’s John Griffen for the Northern Ireland Area Featherweight title in the Guildhall.

1953
Josef Locke Performance

The renowned Derry tenor Josef Locke performs at the Guildhall in a charity concert for Derry City Football Club.

1953
Queen Elizabeth II Visits

Shortly after her Coronation HRH Queen Elizabeth II and HRH Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh visited Guildhall Square.

1959
The Women from Springtown

Women from the Springtown huts march to the Guildhall to stage a protest in the council chamber about the poor housing conditions, pre-empting the civil rights movement of the 1960s.

1972
Terrorist Bombings

The Guildhall was hit by two terrorist bombs that badly damaged the building during the Troubles, as well as the Organ and statue of Queen Victoria.

1976
Grade 'A' Listed Building

The Guildhall is established as a designated Grade A listed building for its special architectural and historic interest.

1977
The Second Rebuild

The Guildhall officially reopened after the bombings. It was fully restored at a cost of £1.7 million.

1980
Field Day Theatre Company

Field Day Theatre Company presented its first production, Brian Friel’s ‘Translations’ in the Guildhall.

1995
Bill Clinton Visits

The Guildhall was the backdrop for key address by US President Bill Clinton during his visit to Northern Ireland.

1998 - 2005
Bloody Sunday

The Bloody Sunday families gathered in the Guildhall for the publication of the Saville Report findings.

2010
Time Capsule

The three-year refurbishment programme begins and the original 1887 time capsule was uncovered.

2013
Refurbished Reveal

In June, a newly refurbished Guildhall opened to the public.

LOCATION

  • Guildhall,
    Guildhall Square,
    Derry-Londonderry,
    BT48 6DQ

OPENING TIMES

  • Weekdays: 09.00 – 20.00 
  • Weekends: 09.00 – 18.00