William of Orange (or William III), is a historical figure who played a major role in the history of Ireland. Born into a high-ranking family, he worked all his life to become one of the most influential leaders of his time. Appointed King of England and Ireland, his actions and decisions had a profound impact on Ireland, leaving an indelible mark on the country’s history. Starting with his victory over the Catholics at the Battle of Boyne… His success has made him a much-loved and much-hated figure, even today…
Born in 1650, William of Orange grew up in a noble family in the Netherlands. He is the son of Prince William II of Orange and Princess Mary, daughter of King Charles I of England.
However, his father died of smallpox a few days before he was born, and his mother had little regard for her son. He was raised by Dutch governesses, and received a full education at the University of Leiden. A staunch Protestant, he believed in a Europe free of Catholicism.
Over the years, he aspired to overthrow his father-in-law, the Catholic King James II, then King of England and Ireland.
As a reminder, James II was a fervent Catholic who made numerous attempts to re-establish Catholicism in England, which had been torn apart by a major religious crisis (initially instituted by Henry VIII, who had decided to break with the Catholic Church to become head of the Protestant Church of England)…
Despite the centuries, the population continues to be torn between Catholicism and Protestantism, in a poisonous atmosphere…. and James II’s actions failed to appease the division.
A great strategist, William of Orange decided to take action. He gathered his troops to invade England and attempt to dethrone James II. He landed at Brixham in south-west England on at the head of a strong Dutch army .
His troops are numerous. Its ranks include 11,000 infantrymen and 4,000 cavalrymen.
James II tried to resist, and set up talks. But William III remained inflexible and took power… while James II fled to France, where he found the support of King Louis XIV.
The latter decided to supply James II with men to enable him to regain the throne of England. The famous Battle of the Boyne followed.
The Battle of the Boyne – Public domain
The Battle of the Boyne took place on July 1, 1690, against a backdrop of conflict for the British throne between James II, the deposed king, and his son-in-law and nephew, William III. While James II, supported by Louis XIV of France, had a Catholic majority in Ireland behind him, William III enjoyed the support of Protestants in Ireland, Scotland and England.
The battle takes place on the banks of the River Boyne, near Drogheda on Ireland’s east coast. James II positioned his troops south of the river, believing that the defensive position would give him an advantage. His army was estimated at around 23,500 men.
For his part, William had a superior force of almost 36,000 men.
William of Orange then devised a strategy that would play a decisive role in his victory. He traps the enemy by sending part of his army to attack the bridge at Slane, further west, thus diverting part of Jacques’ forces from their main position.
A winning strategy, which enabled William to cross the Boyne at Oldbridge, the closest point to the Jacobite army.
Despite fierce resistance, the Jacobite forces were unable to contain William of Orange’s advance. The battle is fierce and each side shines with bravery. But William III’s numerical superiority and better tactics ultimately gave his troops the upper hand.
The failure of James II was a resounding defeat for Catholic Ireland. Seen as a symbol of Protestant supremacy over the Catholic religion, the Orangemen victory evokes bitter memories for Irish Catholics attached to their faith.
Worse still, in addition to being a setback for Catholicism in Ireland, this battle also had a territorial dimension… For several centuries now, Ireland has been under repeated assault from the English, who were determined to colonize it and impose their colonial and religious domination.
Thus, with the Battle of the Boyne, Ireland’s territorial and religious future seemed threatened… to the benefit of the English and their Protestantism.
The battle was so important that it remains a powerful symbol of the tensions between Irish Catholic republicans and British Protestant loyalists in Northern Ireland.
Many Orangemen still march in the streets of Belfast and Derry to commemorate this victory over the Irish Catholics… A parry often seen as a provocation by the opposing camp…
These tensions have been deeply rooted since the Troubles, right up to the present day. And there are numerous references to William of Orange in parades, where Orangemen seem to brandish this historic figure as the banner of their convictions.
Every year on July 12, Orangemen parade through the streets of Belfast, Derry and other towns in Northern Ireland to commemorate William’s historic victory at the Battle of the Boyne.
These parades, organized by the Orange Order, a Protestant fraternal organization, are major events, but also sources of tension and sometimes violence.
These parades are often organized in full view of Catholic neighborhoods, which see them as a real provocation. Whistles, insults and occasional stone-throwing have already triggered clashes between the two communities.
Often, the police have to intervene. Numerous injuries were sustained, as was material damage.
It is not advisable to venture into sensitive areas of Northern Ireland during these Orange marches. Although situations can sometimes be calmer, these parades are regularly synonymous with outbursts.
To be avoided.
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