Hoang Dieu (1829-1882) was born in a Confucian family in Xuan Dai Village, Dien Ban District, Quang Nam Province. He completed a bachelors degree at the age of 19, and became junior doctor in 1853. In 1880, he was appointed to hold the post of the Chief of Ha – Ninh provine (Ha Noi – Ninh Binh). At that time, Ha Noi was being in complete disorder. Though Hue imperial court made considerable concessions, French colonialists still hatched a plot invade the North Vietnam (and the whole Viet Nam). On 3^rd April 1882, Navy Cmdr Hangri Rivie left Saigon for Ha Noi and garrisoned his troops in Don Thuy. In the early morning of 24 May 1882, Hangri Rivie sent an ultimatum to force down the Province Chief Hoang Dieu to hand the weapon and “give up the citadel” before 8 Am.

8Am correct, cannons on the French boats were opened fire on the northern gate (vestige remains now). To 10 hours 45 minutes, the French troops landed and attacked on four citadel gates. Hoang Dieu commanded the fight personally. The gunpowder de pot was set fire all of a sudden (by several betrayers), the French took advantage of opportunity to climb up the western gate and demolish the gate then overflow into the citadel. He realized that he could not resist no longer, he went in royal step-over place and drafted a report (submitted to King Tu Duc), then came to Vo Mieu and hung suicide with this turban. Hanoi’s people and army held a burial service for Hoang Dieu at the garden of provincial education officer Palace (now Tran Quy Cap street area) Three years later, his remains was reburied in his homeland in Quang Nam province.

His tomb was renovated in 1982 and 1988. In commemoration of Hoang Dieu , the People’s Committee of Dien Ban district, Dien Quang commune, local people and tourists always visit and take care of his tomb. The tomb of the Provine Chief Hoang Dieu is a place  ducating patriotic spirit and revolutionary tradition.