The original Baker Club was formed in memory of Major Henry Baker who was Governor of Derry from April 19th 1689 until his death on June 30th 1689. Originally formed in the early 19th Century around 1825/6 the Baker Club seemed to vanish from existance around 1854 when it is believed it amalgamated with the Mitchellburn Club up to and around 1876 when it appears to have become completely defunct.

On Wednesday 2nd March 1927 twelve members of the Apprentice Boys of Derry met in the Memorial Hall to consider whether or not to revive the Baker Club. An apology was received for the thirtheenth member; Bro. Edward McIntyre was appointed Chairman and following brief discussion it was agreed to renew the charter associated with the club. The twelve members present along with the other member were named as charter members and appointed as the first officers of the club as follows: Edward McIntyre (President), James Black (Vice President), James Lapsley (Secretary). William Little (Treasurer), William Caldwell (Chapain), Samuel Bolton Sen. (Ass. Secretary), Robert McIntyre (Tyler), Hugh Hamilton, Thomas Cabena, Caldwell Kennedy, George Wylie, William Kerr and Robert Finlay (All Committee)

Following the Siege of Londonderry a crest was presented by King William III to the son of the late Governor, Henry Baker. The crest is the Bastion of Londonderry surmounted by a mailed arm holding a loaf of bread. The inscription is:

"No Surrender"

This symbolises the belief that the defenders of the Maiden City, led by Baker, defiantly threw the last loaf of bread in the face of the enemy.

Henry Baker

Of the three Governors who served during Londonderry's memorable siege perhaps the least well known was Henry Baker. His ancestors long resident in Ireland, were professional soldiers. In 1575 we read of a Captain Baker dying in defence of Carrickfergus during an attack by Sorley Boy McDonnell, it is believed this was Henry's grandafther.

It was a time of crisis within the walls, the enemy at the gate and worry at the way Governor Col Robert Lundy was handling matters. He held a council of war from which Major Baker and others were barred. But God raised up the man of the hour and into the chamber strode Adam Murray and supported by a Lisburn man Lt. Cook, accused Lundy of being either "a fool or a knave". Both Lundy and council yielded to such resolute action and the defence of the city was now in the hands of those withstouter hearts. After the election of the new council, Major Baker and Rev. George Walker, rector of Donoughmore, were chosen to "take charge of the defence".

On the 19th April Baker and Walker assumed Governorship of the besieged garrison. After a few days hosue arrest the Governors arranged for the escape of Lundy and slipped him out at night "with a load of match on his back".

It can clearly be seen by Baker's popularity that neither his courate or military skill were in doubt. Due to Baker's dedication and devotion to the city, he could be found most nights on the city walls, often in the most inclement weather, where he contracted a "violent fever". He was confined to his bed in the Bishop's palace. So severe was his illness that a council of war was convened in Col. Mitchelburne's house on the 21st June "to choose a Governor in place of Baker until the latter had recovered". Baker was asked who he would depute and with the garrison and defenders uppermost in his mind he named Mitchelburne, saying he was "the fittest person to fill the station". The council agreed and Mitchelburne was named Governor.

Baker's health was steadily improving when intelligence reached the garrison that the Irish were planning a "vigorous attack", probably the assault by Clancarty on Butcher's gate on the night of 28th June. Considering it was his duty and with no thought of his sickness, Baker stayed on the walls all night, a noble sentinel. His actions inspired his men. Alas, the next morning as he retired, he had a relapse. Ravaged by the fever and worn out by the fatigue, the gallant soldier died on 30th June "to the great grief of the garrison". Baker was interred in the north aisle of St. Columb's Cathedral. His coffin was borne by his fellow Cols Walker, Mitchelburne, Lance, Campsey, Monroe and Lieut. Col Campbell. Mitchelburne described Baker as "our noble, brave Governor whose fidelity, courage and bravery ought never to be forgotten". Dr Joseph Aickin, who was present throughout the siege, wrote in his epic poem Londerias;

"True to his friend and faithful to his trust,
Upright in dealing and to all men just.
In solemn maner we his corpse inter.
As it became a valiant man of war
A funeral sermon's preached, the bells did ring
And trebble volleys did the praises sing".

In 1933 a black marble memorial tablet was palced in St Columb's Cathedral in memory of Baker and Browning, who was buried beside him, Baker's inscription reads;

Colonel Henry Baker, a Governor of this city during the siege of 1689 a man greatly beloved and trusted to whom the people of Derry turned in their time of extremity and who was found faithful until death worn out by hardship and disease he died on June 30 1689 on the74th day of the siege.

Fig.4 Image of a scroll depicting the Brave 13 who closed the gates during the siege of Derry

Some Background...

Baker Parent Club is an associated club of the Apprentice Boys of Derry, so lets look at some background to the ABOD.

"The Apprentice Boys of Derry Association are an historical organisation whose members are committed to maintaining the spirit of liberty displayed by the Apprentice Boys in 1688 against oppression. The Apprentice Boys perpetuate that spirit of liberty, inherent to the Reformed Protestant faith, by faithfully commemorating the “Derry Celebrations” within the Maiden City and in other localities, keeping alive the memory of the Brave 13 and the heroic sacrifices of the besieged within the Walls. The Association raises its profile to audiences beyond the City, through parades, exhibitions, lectures and any other appropriate means of communication"

-courtesy of www.apprenticeboys.co.uk (click to visit)