The Crimson Banner (No Surrender) – A Historical Ballad from the Siege of Derry, 1689 скачать в хорошем качестве

The Crimson Banner (No Surrender) – A Historical Ballad from the Siege of Derry, 1689

The Crimson Banner (No Surrender) is a 19th-century ballad recalling the Siege of Derry in 1689, one of the defining events of the Williamite War in Ireland. Note: The closing lines reflect language used in the historical period and is presented here in its original context. In December 1688, thirteen apprentice boys closed the gates of Derry against a regiment loyal to King James II. Months later, on 18 April 1689, the city was formally besieged. The siege lasted 105 days, ending on 1 August 1689 when relief ships broke through the boom across the River Foyle and brought food and supplies into the starving city. During those 105 days, the population endured severe famine, disease, bombardment, and great loss of life. The episode became a lasting part of Ulster’s historical memory. The lyrics of this ballad are attributed to Lieutenant-Colonel William Blacker (1777–1855) of Carrickblacker, near Armagh City, County Armagh. A soldier and writer, Blacker contributed to 19th-century Irish patriotic verse. Though written long after the events themselves, the song reflects how the siege was remembered and commemorated in later generations. This performance approaches the song as part of Ireland’s layered historical heritage — offered in a spirit of reflection, acknowledging the endurance and human experience within the past. Traditional Irish melody Lyrics attributed to Lieut.-Col. William Blacker (c.1817) Arrangement, performance and recording © 2026 Irish Longing All rights reserved May history be remembered with honesty, and the future shaped with understanding.