After Operation Motorman and the end of Free Derry and other no-go areas in Northern Ireland, the Bogside along with the majority of the city experienced frequent street riots and sectarian conflict lasting all the way to the early 1990s.
A free-standing gable wall commemorates Free Derry, a self-declared autonomous nationalist area of Derry that existed between 1969 and 1972.
However it retained a strong presence in certain localities, notably the Lower Falls, Andersonstown, Turf Lodge and the Markets areas of Belfast, along with a big presence in Derry but particularly Free Derry in the Bogside area as well as Newry and South Down.
Derry | Orange Free State | North American Free Trade Agreement | International Confederation of Free Trade Unions | Free University of Berlin | free agent | Free | Irish Free State | Free State | Free Willy | Free Bird | Detroit Free Press | Congo Free State | Winnipeg Free Press | Free (band) | free trade | Free State (South African province) | free jazz | Altamont Free Concert | Radio Free Europe | Free Church of Scotland | Free French Forces | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty | free | Free Trade Hall | Free Software Foundation | Free Foresters Cricket Club | Alliance of Free Democrats | Royal Free Hospital | Free City of Danzig |
When the British Home Secretary, Jim Callaghan, visited Derry in August 1969, the "Free Derry" wall was painted white and the "You are now entering Free Derry" sign was professionally re-painted in black lettering.
Front man Nick Burbridge named the band after Tommy McDermott, who gained notoriety for his two hour piece on Radio Free Derry, calling for peace and love during the Derry riots.