The Siege of Londonderry (crua)

As Ireland descended into war in 1689, Londonderry was isolated and besieged. Unable to stop the advancing Irish army or to control the 'ungovernable rabble' that flooded into the city, the governor deserted. The city's defence was left to a few junior officers and thousands of armed civilians from across the northern counties. Within the walls, hunger, religious divisions and mistrust of the hastily elected leaders sparked rioting by men described by their commander as 'rogues' and 'sons of whores'.