The choice of the second quarter of the nineteenth century as an important period in the history of Derry requires little justification. It is a turning point. Within it are to be found both the forces which had previously retarded the city's growth and those which were to cause immediate improvement ard lay the foundations for later nineteenth century development . Changes were taking place in transport which were to have a substantial effect on the economic life of the city. Roads were improving. Railways were being laid. Steam-ships were making significant alterations in the pattern of port trade. People were changing too. Population was doubling. Epidemic, famine mid social legislation were seriously affecting the lives of the poor. Great reforms were taking place in the system of municipal, administration. Businessmen responsible to electors rather than landowners responsible to themselves were taking over as directors of the city’s municipal fortunes, a fact which was to prove of key importance to development within the period and to the later history of the city.