Apprentice Boys of Derry

One of the smaller 'Loyal Order' organisations; the others being the 'Orange Order' and the 'Royal Black Institution'. The Apprentice Boys is a Protestant / Loyalist organisation set up in memory of the group of apprentice boys who shut the gates of Derry (Londonderry) on the approaching army of King James II on 7 December 1688. This is the event which led to the siege of Derry (which lasted 105 days until 28 July 1689) and which is commemorated annually by the Apprentice Boys of Derry. The main march organised by the Apprentice Boys takes place in Derry each year on a date close to 12 August. There is an additional parade in Derry each December (the 'Lundy Parade') to commemorate the closing of the gates. (See also: Photographs of the Apprentice Boys of Derry 'Lundy Parade', 1 December 2007.)