History Buffs and Ramblers will Love the Hervey Heritage Trail

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Ivor Doherty, Aras Cholmcille Heritage Centre, Maria McDermott, NIHE, Eddie Breslin, NIHE, Fr. Aidan Multan Administrator Long Tower Church, and the Very Rev. Raymond Stewart, Dean of St Columb’s Cathedral, pictured with members of the Hervey Heritage Group at the recent launch of the Hervey Trail at St Columba’s Long Tower Church.
Ivor Doherty, Aras Cholmcille Heritage Centre, Maria McDermott, NIHE, Eddie Breslin, NIHE, Fr. Aidan Multan Administrator Long Tower Church, and the Very Rev. Raymond Stewart, Dean of St Columb’s Cathedral, pictured with members of the Hervey Heritage Group at the recent launch of the Hervey Trail at St Columba’s Long Tower Church.

Hervey Heritage Group has been supported by the Housing Executive to provide information boards on the life and history surrounding the Earl Bishop of Derry.

The Coleraine-based group wanted to showcase the work of Earl Bishop Frederick Augustus Hervey (1730-1803), Bishop of Derry and 4th Earl of Bristol, whilst highlighting the hidden wonders between two popular tourist attractions. The trail runs from Giant’s Causeway to the City of Derry~Londonderry and can be followed by car or bicycle.  Hikers and ramblers will also find plenty of walks, while public transport facilitates journey by foot.  The Hervey Heritage Trail has a breath-taking landscape with many hidden gems along the way.

Information boards are now installed at churches in the City of Derry, at St Columb’s Cathedral and the Long Tower Church, with plans to erect 16 more information boards at locations along the Heritage Trail.  The boards detail interesting facts about the Earl Bishop and the impact he had in the area.  For example, he discovered Giant’s Causeway through his love of volcanology, created Downhill Estate and Mussenden Temple, built the first bridge across the River Foyle, and commissioned several stone churches.

The Housing Executive provided funding for the initial boards. Jim Hunter, Chairman of the Heritage Group, said:

“These information boards would not have been possible in the City without the support of the Housing Executive in this cross community project.

The Earl Bishop’s influence is all around us in the City if you know where to look.  The boards will help people learn more about this great man’s impact on local history.”

Our Good Relations Officer, Eddie Breslin, was also at the launch, and said:

“Our support for the Hervey Heritage Group will benefit everyone in the City, and assist in developing the trail for residents and tourists for many years to come.”

The information boards can be seen at the Long Tower Church and St Columb’s Cathedral in the City.  You can also check out the Hervey Heritage Trail and learn more via their website: http://www.earlbishopstrail.com/