FOLLOWING last week's launch of the Lundy candle, the Sentinel in association with www.lundysburning.com, have three Lundy Candles to give away to lucky Sentinel readers.
Part of a limited edition production run, all you have to do to get your hands on one of these ‘red hot’ candles is read the passage below and answer the simple question.
Lundy is a name synonymous with treachery, and is reviled in Northern Irelan
d, and particularly in this City among members of the Loyal Orders.
Robert Lundy was made governor of the City in 1688 just after the Great Siege started.
Lundy led a force of between 7,000 and 10,000 Protestant soldiers at the river crossings near Lifford and Clady but was heavily defeated by the French General Rosen and retreated in disgrace. There were many doubts of his loyalty to King William at the time of the Siege and he advocated the surrender of the City to James II. After the debacle at the crossings he was confined to his quarters for his own protection from the angry defenders.
He fled the city, escaping the wrath of the defenders. One story has it that he fled in disguise, carrying a load of matchwood on his back to protect him from musket fire, while another claim was that he climbed down a pear tree growing close to the walls. The tree is alleged to have fallen during a gale in the winter of 1844, and a hearth-side chair now in the ownership of St Columb’s Cathedral is alleged to have been made from it.
Whatever the truth is Lundy is reviled to this day and his effigy is burned every year.
Those who still despise the Colonel’s name now have the opportunity to burn Lundy ‘all year round’ in the comfort of their own home. The limited edition candle stands eight inches tall, and is hand-painted.
Closing date for entries 4pm, Monday, December 24. The winners will be notified by telephone and the editor’s decision is final. Entries to: Lundy Candle Competition, Editorial Department Londonderry Sentinel, Units 4&5 Spencer House, Spencer Road, Waterside, Londonderry, BT47 6AA
