This topic comes up from time to time on Irish Lists and has to be looked at in the historical context, monentarily putting aside the 'cultural minefield' into which you also may step! In his scheme for the Plantation of Ulster, King James I granted more than half a million acres of land in the north-west of Ulster to the Livery Companies of the City of London. These Companies were descended from the medieval guilds and were involved in all aspects of trade. The town of Derry was included and there was a 'carving up' of various tracts of land, leading to the formation of the County of Donegal and increasing the size of what was then Co. Coleraine. The 'bit' in between was named Co. Londonderry and by an agreement made in 1610, the supervision came under the auspices of The Honourable, The Irish Society. I couldn't actually locate a specific date when Derry became officially the City of Londonderry but over the centuries there has developed a culture whereby those of a Nationalist persusion would refer to it as Derry and the Loyalists would insist on Londonderry. So the way in which you refer to the 'Maiden City' has become another indicator for to identify your political leanings. It's not as 'cut and dried' as it may appear though. Is anything in Ireland? For example, amongst the Loyal Orders there are 'The Apprentice Boys of Derry' and the City of Derry Airport which is located at Eglinton in Co. Londonderry. People can get quite passionate as to which name to use and, inevitably, these attitudes came to be lampooned by one of the local media personalities, Gerry Anderson. He coined the phrase 'stroke city' as in Derry/Londonderry and this has entered the vocabulary. Gerry is a native of the 'Maiden City' which is so called, I understand, because it was never breached during the great siege in 1689! If anyone reading this is over in 'Norn Iron' you should listen to the Gerry Anderson show on Radio Ulster every weekday from 10.30am to 12 noon. It's a real whacky and at times, completely off-the-wall programme and gives a great insight into what makes people 'tick' over here. My wife and I found it great 'crack' when we first moved over here, but then we have a wierd sense of humour!! Yours aye Robert C Davison Hon. Secretary Clan Davidson Association (UK) Visit us at <http://www.phdavison.com/clandavidson