The Troubled City: The twentieth Century

The first decade of the twentieth century saw  the construction of some of the city's most beautiful buildings, but completion from the railways was already heralding the port's slow decline.

The First World War and its aftermath saw a full scale depression.  This was followed by the partition of the city from much of its hinterland as an international border was created with Co Donegal in 1922.

In the Second World War, the city became an important naval base as the first port on the hazardous North Atlantic Convoy route from America. Post War, the first purpose built hospital of the National Health Service was constructed within its boundaries, and, in 1966, the 'Irish Building of the Millennium': St Angus' Church, Burt, inspired by the ancient fort at the summit, was  constructed at the base of Grianan Hill.

'From 1970, the city endured thirty years of 'Troubles', These left their own mark, but, by the end of the century, confident buildings for a peaceful city were being constructed once again.