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Biography: David Cairnes (1645-1722) Defender of Derry, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland
Submitted by
William Houston
wth1948[at]hotmail.co.uk
This file of the Biography: David Cairnes (1645-1722) Defender of Derry, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland forms part of the vast archive of 4,000+ pages of genealogical records relating to COUNTIES TYRONE, DONEGAL, LONDONDERRY & FERMANAGH provided without charge or subscription by CoTyroneIreland Welcome to the Premier Website & Research Tool for Cos. Tyrone, Donegal, Londonderry & Fermanagh Genealogy (cotyroneireland.com) A complete list of records pertaining to Derry Parish, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland on this website can be found at the foot of this file.
David Cairnes was one of the 12 Apprentice Boys of Derry and one of the most prominent defenders of Derry. He was born in the north of Ireland in 1645. He became a lawyer, and in 1688 was owner of considerable property in land. On the approach of Tirconnell's troops, to occupy Derry, early in December 1688, he advised the citizens to take the defence into their own hands; on th e 11th he set out for London, carrying letters to William III, and the Irish Society, imploring assistance in men, provisions, arms, and ammunition. He did not return until 11th of April, 1689, in time to help to counteract Lundy's design of delivering up the city. Appointed Liutenant-Colonel of a regiment, he distinguished himself all through the heroic and successful defence. After the ware was over, he returned M.P. for Derry, a trust he continued to fulfil for the succeeding thirty years. He was also appointed Recorder, and filled other offices in the city. Under date 16th April 1697, he bitterly complains to the Lord-Lieutenant of the manner in which the city and its defenders had been treated by Government - "lying to this day in misery and rubbish, for its great zeal to his present Majesty and Government, when it might have had any conditions could be asked from the late King, if it would have surrendered." Mr. Cairnes died in 1722, aged about 77, and was buried, with all honours, in St. Columb's Cathedral Churchyard of the city.
David Cairnes in St. Columb's Cathedral, Derry
David Cairnes' Memorial Tablet in St. Columb's Cathedral, Derry
Further County Londonderry records can be viewed here:
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