John Mitchelburne facts for kids

John Mitchelburne (born 1648, died 1721) was an English soldier and writer. He became famous during a big war in Ireland called the Williamite War in Ireland. He was in charge of defending the city of Derry during a long siege.

Early Life and Military Service

John Mitchelburne was born in Sussex, England, in 1648. His family later moved to County Wicklow in Ireland.

As a young man, Mitchelburne became a soldier. He served in a special army group called the Lord General's Regiment of Foot Guards. He fought in battles in France and Flanders during the Franco-Dutch War in the 1660s and 1670s.

In 1678, he bought a higher rank in the army. After a peace treaty, he returned to England. He later served in English Tangier and then in Dublin, Ireland.

Before the famous Siege of Derry began in 1689, Mitchelburne joined a group of Protestant soldiers in Derry. This was a very important moment in his life.

War in Ireland and the Siege of Derry

The Siege of Derry was a major event during the Williamite War in Ireland. This war was fought between supporters of King William III and supporters of King James II.

Defending Derry

During the siege, Mitchelburne was made a colonel. He became the most senior army officer in the city. He worked with the city's leaders, George Walker and Henry Baker, to defend Derry.

After Henry Baker died, Mitchelburne became the Governor of Londonderry. This meant he was fully in charge of the city's defense. He helped build new walls and defenses to protect the city.

Tough Decisions During the Siege

The siege was very difficult. At one point, the enemy tried to force Protestant refugees towards the city walls. Mitchelburne responded by threatening to hang prisoners. This was a harsh but common tactic in wars of that time.

He also made plans for people to leave the city safely if they needed to. He planned for them to go to Enniskillen, another town.

After the Siege

The siege finally ended in August 1689 when help arrived. Mitchelburne remained governor of Derry and was made an alderman (a city leader) for life.

He was later involved in trying to capture Sligo from the enemy. However, command of that mission was soon given to another officer. Mitchelburne briefly became governor of Sligo, but then faced some accusations. These accusations were later found to be false.

Later Life and Legacy

After the war, Mitchelburne faced financial difficulties. He asked the English government for money to help himself and his soldiers.

A Play and a Flag

In 1705, he wrote a play called Ireland preserv'd. This play told his side of the story about the Siege of Derry. It was quite popular, and several versions were printed in London.

Mitchelburne returned to live in Derry. On August 1, 1714, he raised a special crimson (deep red) flag on the steeple of St Columb's Cathedral. This was to celebrate the anniversary of the city being saved from the siege.

Apprentice Boys of Derry

In 1718, Mitchelburne helped start the original Apprentice Boys of Derry club. This group still exists today and remembers the history of the siege.

John Mitchelburne died in Derry on October 1, 1721. He left money in his will for his funeral, for charity, and even for the flag over the cathedral to be kept flying.

Remembered Today

John Mitchelburne's actions during the defense of Derry are still remembered and celebrated today. Groups like the Orange Order and the Mitchelburne Club, which was started in 1775, continue to honor his role in the city's history.