What You Need to Know About the Battle of the Boyne
The Battle of the Boyne started on July 1, 1690, which happened between William of Orange and James II as they crossed the River Boyne. It is near Drogheda town in the United Kingdom of Ireland, which is the Republic of Ireland today.
William of Orange, a Dutch protestant, was recently crowned as the England, Ireland, and Scotland monarch when the ‘Glorious Revolution’ happened.
James II was a catholic whose throne was taken by his nephew during the previous year. It was after William was encouraged by protestant nobles to stop it while James was planning to start a catholic dynasty.
What is the Battle of the Boyne in the United Kingdom All About?
Both sides got ready for battle on both sides of the River Boyne, and James’ forces had a more strategic position. William’s troops would cross the river under the cannon fire and musket as they keep their weapons and gunpowder dry.
By marching cleverly, a minority of the troops are west from Oldbridge, where most of the forces were initially stationed. William succeeded in tricking James into marching a portion of the troops into meeting them.
He split James’ Jacobite troops that would eventually cross the Oldbridge river.
Even if James’ Irish horsemen and French cavalry threaten how the Williamite troops are crossing, they were clearly overstretched. The lack of a Jacobite command structure has caused the forces of James to deteriorate.
When it came to securing the Glorious Revolution two years prior, the Battle of Boyne marked an important turning point in the history of their monarchy.
James II remains to be the last Roman Catholic UK monarch up to this day.
Aside from the conclusion of the Catholic ties with the monarchy, James II is also known as the last monarch who wanted absolute rule. Mary II and King Willian II accepted the parliament primacy.
The most long-lasting and tangible effect of the Battle of the Boyne happens in its importance to the Unionists of Protestant Irish.
How to Celebrate Battle of the Boyne in the United Kingdom and Things to Do
Marches
The marches or walks are an activity that is most commonly done today. It often begins at the Orange Hall, and it goes through the town. This is an activity that they do in the daytime. It normally starts at the Orange Hall, making its way through town. Those who take part in this wear dark suits. Some stick to the classic look by wearing bowler hats with white gloves. However, today, this is not very common because of the warm weather.
Orangemen use tin thistles while marching to accordions and lambeg drums to honor King William III. In addition, the cities will have street murals as decorations that show King Billy on his white horse while crossing the Boyne River.
Contests
There are contests, especially the lambeg drumming contest. The huge drum is also a loud acoustic instrument, one of the largest in the world, and it has a bagpipe.
Bonfire
During the 11th night, there are huge bonfires that are lit in the area of Protestants. The tradition started when they lit bonfires to help King William on his way to the landing of Carrickfergus Castle in Ireland. The bonfire’s timing is so close to Midsummer Day, which could hint at an older source of this custom. You can watch the bonfires.
How the Battle of the Boyne in the United Kingdom is Celebrated
In a lot of towns in Northern Ireland, there are walks or marches held by organizations that have a Protestant orientation. From August until April, the marching season is but the 12th of July or also known as Orangemen’s Day, is very important. A lot of marches are fixed by the Lodges of the Orange Order, and a marching band goes with it.
The participants who join the walks or marches usually wear dark suits, but they can take off their jackets if they feel hot. They also wear black bowler hats and white gloves by tradition, but these are not as common. The participants wear collarettes. This kind of collarette is made from a long and thin cloth that is draped around the wearer’s neck and joined to form a “v” shape in front. A lot of the collarettes are made using an orange cloth, but there could be other colors. The collarettes show the lodge number where the wearer belongs, are badges show the person’s positions in or degrees from the lodge.
A lot of lodges carry a flag while marching, which is normally the Union Flag. A lot of lodges carry at least one banner, displaying the name and lodge number on one side. Most of the time, the site displays images of William, the deceased lodge members, the bible with a crown, or the local landmarks.
Venues and Special Events for Celebrating the Battle of the Boyne in the United Kingdom
Ireland
Even if the battle of the Boyne took place on July 1, they would commemorate it on the 12th. It was when the Battle of Aughrim happened when the army of King James was defeated.
These events were celebrated together in the 18th century after the Orange Order started. It is the Protestant fraternal order that is based in Ireland.
Today, these two are mainly observed and celebrated by the British Unionists and Orange Order. They have parades, marching bands, and the streets Union Flags are put up.
The Battle of Boyne is an important moment in the history of the United Kingdom, and they make sure to celebrate it every year. If you are celebrating a public holiday in the UK, you should try to see how they commemorate it.
