"The Battle Of The Boyne Overwhelmed a Civilisation Based on Myth –
And Replaced It With Intelligent Laws". W.B. Yeats
Background to The Battle of the Boyne
In the year 1690, King William III of Britain was becoming increasingly concerned at how the situation in Ireland was unfolding.
With James still in Ireland (and still backed up by Louis XIV's money and elite troops), William believed that his Irish problems needed to be dealt with swiftly.
Whilst time was not as pressing a factor upon William as it was on James – William nonetheless needed his Irish campaign to be quick.
The longer it dragged on, the more it would divert him from his main concern, namely the Europe-wide war that he was waging against Louis XIV of France.
From William’s perspective, a long campaign (where he got bogged down in Ireland) would enable Louis XIV to open up a new front against him. The last thing that he needed was for Ireland to spiral out of control and become an operational base for large French naval fleets, endless Jacobite rebellions and thousands of French soldiers.
The British Parliament rightly denounced Louis' activity in Ireland as both ‘unwarranted’ and ‘foreign interference’ in British affairs. They therefore set aside £ 2,000,000 in order to finance an Irish military campaign against James and his French allies.
Humbly relying upon the God of Scripture for wisdom, guidance and victory - King William summoned his armies and prepared to march on Ireland.
In early June 1690, he left London and headed for Chester. The Williamite liberation of Ireland had begun.
He arrived at the great ancient city of Chester within a matter of days. On the Sunday, he attended worship at Chester Cathedral.
His large naval transport fleet (anchored close to the port of Chester) was assembled and ready.
On 11th June 1690, William set sail from Chester with a fleet of almost 300 ships.
Before long, the hills of Ireland came into view.
After casting anchor off the coast of Carrickfergus, William was rowed ashore in the Rear Admiral's barge and landed at the Old Quay, located just under the shadow of the town's famous Norman Castle.
The garrison of Carrickfergus Castle welcomed him by drawing up a Guard of Honour. The townspeople were ecstatic with joy. Finally, their prayers had been answered and their Protestant deliverer had come!
They chose a Quaker as their spokesman. He stepped forward, removed his hat as a sign of respect and said: "William, thou art welcome to thy Kingdom".
The King graciously replied, "you are the best bred gentleman I have met since I came to England." He then invited the Quaker to join his entourage and walk alongside him.
William set off on horseback for Belfast. Whilst en route, he met up with a number of senior military leaders. Those present included the Huguenot Commander-in-Chief, the Duke de Schomberg, Mienhard Count Schomberg (the son of Marshall Schomberg), the Duke of Wurtemberg; the Commanders of his Danish and Dutch forces; Major General Kirk and Governor Gustavus Hamilton of Enniskillen. At this point, William joined Schomberg in his coach for the rest of the journey.
The King entered Belfast via the North Gate (located where, today, North Street crosses Royal Avenue). He was greeted by massive public celebrations and formally welcomed by the magistrates, burgesses and Bishop Walker of Londonderry.
William made a speech and commanded a fast to be kept throughout the Kindgom of Ireland for the purpose of imploring the blessing of Almighty God upon him and his army during the present war.
A Royal Salute was fired from Belfast Castle, and then echoed by guns that Schomberg had placed at wide intervals for the purpose of conveying signals from post to post.
It was thanks to this sound that the news of William’s arrival spread to Counties Antrim and Down. All across Ulster, the Protestant people celebrated by lighting bonfires.
That night, William lodged at Belfast Castle and wrote a cheerful letter to Mary, saying that he ‘found the Irish air to his liking’. He attended Sunday worship at Corporation Church, where Rev. G. Royce preached on the following text of Scripture:
With James still in Ireland (and still backed up by Louis XIV's money and elite troops), William believed that his Irish problems needed to be dealt with swiftly.
Whilst time was not as pressing a factor upon William as it was on James – William nonetheless needed his Irish campaign to be quick.
The longer it dragged on, the more it would divert him from his main concern, namely the Europe-wide war that he was waging against Louis XIV of France.
From William’s perspective, a long campaign (where he got bogged down in Ireland) would enable Louis XIV to open up a new front against him. The last thing that he needed was for Ireland to spiral out of control and become an operational base for large French naval fleets, endless Jacobite rebellions and thousands of French soldiers.
The British Parliament rightly denounced Louis' activity in Ireland as both ‘unwarranted’ and ‘foreign interference’ in British affairs. They therefore set aside £ 2,000,000 in order to finance an Irish military campaign against James and his French allies.
Humbly relying upon the God of Scripture for wisdom, guidance and victory - King William summoned his armies and prepared to march on Ireland.
In early June 1690, he left London and headed for Chester. The Williamite liberation of Ireland had begun.
He arrived at the great ancient city of Chester within a matter of days. On the Sunday, he attended worship at Chester Cathedral.
His large naval transport fleet (anchored close to the port of Chester) was assembled and ready.
On 11th June 1690, William set sail from Chester with a fleet of almost 300 ships.
Before long, the hills of Ireland came into view.
After casting anchor off the coast of Carrickfergus, William was rowed ashore in the Rear Admiral's barge and landed at the Old Quay, located just under the shadow of the town's famous Norman Castle.
The garrison of Carrickfergus Castle welcomed him by drawing up a Guard of Honour. The townspeople were ecstatic with joy. Finally, their prayers had been answered and their Protestant deliverer had come!
They chose a Quaker as their spokesman. He stepped forward, removed his hat as a sign of respect and said: "William, thou art welcome to thy Kingdom".
The King graciously replied, "you are the best bred gentleman I have met since I came to England." He then invited the Quaker to join his entourage and walk alongside him.
William set off on horseback for Belfast. Whilst en route, he met up with a number of senior military leaders. Those present included the Huguenot Commander-in-Chief, the Duke de Schomberg, Mienhard Count Schomberg (the son of Marshall Schomberg), the Duke of Wurtemberg; the Commanders of his Danish and Dutch forces; Major General Kirk and Governor Gustavus Hamilton of Enniskillen. At this point, William joined Schomberg in his coach for the rest of the journey.
The King entered Belfast via the North Gate (located where, today, North Street crosses Royal Avenue). He was greeted by massive public celebrations and formally welcomed by the magistrates, burgesses and Bishop Walker of Londonderry.
William made a speech and commanded a fast to be kept throughout the Kindgom of Ireland for the purpose of imploring the blessing of Almighty God upon him and his army during the present war.
A Royal Salute was fired from Belfast Castle, and then echoed by guns that Schomberg had placed at wide intervals for the purpose of conveying signals from post to post.
It was thanks to this sound that the news of William’s arrival spread to Counties Antrim and Down. All across Ulster, the Protestant people celebrated by lighting bonfires.
That night, William lodged at Belfast Castle and wrote a cheerful letter to Mary, saying that he ‘found the Irish air to his liking’. He attended Sunday worship at Corporation Church, where Rev. G. Royce preached on the following text of Scripture:
"who through faith subdued kingdoms" (Hebrews 11:33).
On the Monday, William received addresses of loyalty from: the Church of Ireland; the Presbyterians; the civic authorities of the city of Londonderry; the town of Belfast; and the Sheriffs, Justices of the Peace and gentlemen of the counties of Down and Antrim.
On the Thursday, after days of meticulous preparation, William's army left Belfast and headed south towards Dublin and the Boyne Valley.
Whilst on the Malone Road, heavy showers forced the King to take shelter under trees at the residence of John Eccles – who then changed the name of his house to ‘Orange Gove’.
William’s march out of Belfast continued along the Upper Malone Road and Old Coach Road, past the ruins of both Drumbeg and Lambeg Parish Churches (which had been burnt to the ground during the Ulster Holocaust of 1641, when over one hundred thousand Protestants were massacred).
A short delay arose when King William's carriage was damaged whilst crossing a ford near Lambeg.
A local blacksmith (Rene Bulmer) was asked to repair it.
He was delighted to be asked to help and even held a conversation with the King in French!
To William's delight, Rene told him that he was an exiled Huguenot and that his only reward for repairing the King's carriage would be for William to embrace him as French generals would do when conferring an honour.
In response, William said:
On the Thursday, after days of meticulous preparation, William's army left Belfast and headed south towards Dublin and the Boyne Valley.
Whilst on the Malone Road, heavy showers forced the King to take shelter under trees at the residence of John Eccles – who then changed the name of his house to ‘Orange Gove’.
William’s march out of Belfast continued along the Upper Malone Road and Old Coach Road, past the ruins of both Drumbeg and Lambeg Parish Churches (which had been burnt to the ground during the Ulster Holocaust of 1641, when over one hundred thousand Protestants were massacred).
A short delay arose when King William's carriage was damaged whilst crossing a ford near Lambeg.
A local blacksmith (Rene Bulmer) was asked to repair it.
He was delighted to be asked to help and even held a conversation with the King in French!
To William's delight, Rene told him that he was an exiled Huguenot and that his only reward for repairing the King's carriage would be for William to embrace him as French generals would do when conferring an honour.
In response, William said:
"Mais oui mon vieux, je te salueras voluntiers et ta femme aussi"
(English Translation - "Yes my old man, I will gladly greet you and your wife too")
(English Translation - "Yes my old man, I will gladly greet you and your wife too")
He then embraced both the blacksmith and his wife.
Later that same day, William reached Schomberg's headquarters in Lisburn Castle (where he had lunch). After inspecting his troops on Blaris Moor (near Long Kesh), the King moved on to Hillsborough Castle, where he stayed for the night.
On the following day, William's army continued its trek through County Down. They crossed the River Bann at Banbridge and set up camp on the north west side of Loughbrickland. Vast rows of tents were laid out in two lines that stretched out from Loughbrickland towards Scarvagh Pass and Poyntzpass.
An ancient Oak Tree (still located in Scarvagh Demesne) is understood to be the exact same tree that King William pitched his Royal Tent under on this occasion.
The Williamite army included: 2,000 battle-hardened Huguenots; 7,000 Dutchmen and Brandenburgers; 10,000 Danes and Finns; 11,000 English and Scots; and 6,000 Ulstermen.
There were four Regiments from Enniskillen - Wynn's, Tiffin's, Lloyd's and Cunningham's.
There was one Regiment from Londonderry - the St. John's, commanded by Colonel John Mitchelburne (with Bishop George Walker present as Chaplain).
Two companies from the Protestant enclave of Bandon (County Cork) were also present in King William's army.
In total, William's army numbered roughly 36,000 men - a very large force due to the fact that he wanted a quick Irish campaign that would decisively crush the Jacobites.
Whilst at Loughbrickland, William inspected his troops - riding through each regiment in order to observe them and appraise their efficiency.
In late June, a Protestant scouting party advanced beyond Newry to the very edge of Dundalk, where they observed that James had fallen back to Ardee in County Louth.
Within 24 hours, the main Williamite army reached Newry and set up camp on the side of a hill.
The following day, with William at its head - and wearing an Orange coloured sash - his army marched through the Moyry Pass (and thus left Ulster). The king was deeply moved as he viewed the beauty of Ireland and commented, "this country is worth fighting for."
As William's army advanced, the 30,000 strong Jacobite force retreated before him. By the end of June - his army reached the top of a hill near the southern boundary of County Louth.
In the valley beyond lay the historic River Boyne - marking the border between County Louth and County Meath.
Looking out across the Boyne Valley (Ireland's 'Valley of the Kings'), King William viewed the terrain around Oldbridge. He decided that, not only could the river be easily crossed at this point, but it would also be a suitable place for a short (yet decisive) battle.
On a personal level, the Battle of the Boyne would be the culmination of Queen Mary's worst fears - namely that of her husband and her father having to face each other on the same battlefield.
Within 24 hours, history would be both 'made' and 'changed' for centuries to come.
Little did William or James realise this, but they were about to fight one of the most important battles in British History, Irish History, European History, Church History and the Early Modern Era.
Within a matter of hours, the Battle of the Boyne would be fought and the world would never be the same again.
Later that same day, William reached Schomberg's headquarters in Lisburn Castle (where he had lunch). After inspecting his troops on Blaris Moor (near Long Kesh), the King moved on to Hillsborough Castle, where he stayed for the night.
On the following day, William's army continued its trek through County Down. They crossed the River Bann at Banbridge and set up camp on the north west side of Loughbrickland. Vast rows of tents were laid out in two lines that stretched out from Loughbrickland towards Scarvagh Pass and Poyntzpass.
An ancient Oak Tree (still located in Scarvagh Demesne) is understood to be the exact same tree that King William pitched his Royal Tent under on this occasion.
The Williamite army included: 2,000 battle-hardened Huguenots; 7,000 Dutchmen and Brandenburgers; 10,000 Danes and Finns; 11,000 English and Scots; and 6,000 Ulstermen.
There were four Regiments from Enniskillen - Wynn's, Tiffin's, Lloyd's and Cunningham's.
There was one Regiment from Londonderry - the St. John's, commanded by Colonel John Mitchelburne (with Bishop George Walker present as Chaplain).
Two companies from the Protestant enclave of Bandon (County Cork) were also present in King William's army.
In total, William's army numbered roughly 36,000 men - a very large force due to the fact that he wanted a quick Irish campaign that would decisively crush the Jacobites.
Whilst at Loughbrickland, William inspected his troops - riding through each regiment in order to observe them and appraise their efficiency.
In late June, a Protestant scouting party advanced beyond Newry to the very edge of Dundalk, where they observed that James had fallen back to Ardee in County Louth.
Within 24 hours, the main Williamite army reached Newry and set up camp on the side of a hill.
The following day, with William at its head - and wearing an Orange coloured sash - his army marched through the Moyry Pass (and thus left Ulster). The king was deeply moved as he viewed the beauty of Ireland and commented, "this country is worth fighting for."
As William's army advanced, the 30,000 strong Jacobite force retreated before him. By the end of June - his army reached the top of a hill near the southern boundary of County Louth.
In the valley beyond lay the historic River Boyne - marking the border between County Louth and County Meath.
Looking out across the Boyne Valley (Ireland's 'Valley of the Kings'), King William viewed the terrain around Oldbridge. He decided that, not only could the river be easily crossed at this point, but it would also be a suitable place for a short (yet decisive) battle.
On a personal level, the Battle of the Boyne would be the culmination of Queen Mary's worst fears - namely that of her husband and her father having to face each other on the same battlefield.
Within 24 hours, history would be both 'made' and 'changed' for centuries to come.
Little did William or James realise this, but they were about to fight one of the most important battles in British History, Irish History, European History, Church History and the Early Modern Era.
Within a matter of hours, the Battle of the Boyne would be fought and the world would never be the same again.
1st July 1690 - The Day of Battle
William and James had some limited advantages over one another. James occupied a stronger position, but he had fewer troops and they were of inferior quality.
His army numbered approximately 30,000 men - one third of whom were very good French infantry and equally fine Irish cavalry.
Meanwhile, King William had 36,000 men - the vast majority of whom were professional soldiers.
His army numbered approximately 30,000 men - one third of whom were very good French infantry and equally fine Irish cavalry.
Meanwhile, King William had 36,000 men - the vast majority of whom were professional soldiers.
The Preparation
As he looked across the Boyne and studied James' army, William agreed with his generals that they were not very impressive to look at, but added, "They may be stronger than they look - but weak or strong, I will soon know all about them."
When James' men recognised William, some of them opened fire. The first shot struck the gun holster of Prince George of Hesse. Fearing the worst, William immediately cried out, "The poor prince is killed!"
As he spoke, a second shot tore through his coat, grazed his shoulder and drew blood. Stunned by the blow, he suddenly slumped forward. Upon seeing this, the Jacobites thought that William had been killed. Even his own men were momentarily shocked, fearing the worst - but a welcome relief soon spread through the ranks when he said: "There is no harm done, but it came quite close enough."
William's injury did not stop him from spending roughly 17 hours in the saddle that day.
Having assured himself that his men were ready for battle, he prepared to engage the enemy.
When James' men recognised William, some of them opened fire. The first shot struck the gun holster of Prince George of Hesse. Fearing the worst, William immediately cried out, "The poor prince is killed!"
As he spoke, a second shot tore through his coat, grazed his shoulder and drew blood. Stunned by the blow, he suddenly slumped forward. Upon seeing this, the Jacobites thought that William had been killed. Even his own men were momentarily shocked, fearing the worst - but a welcome relief soon spread through the ranks when he said: "There is no harm done, but it came quite close enough."
William's injury did not stop him from spending roughly 17 hours in the saddle that day.
Having assured himself that his men were ready for battle, he prepared to engage the enemy.
The Battle
Both armies began to mobilise early on 1st July 1690.
William ordered his right flank, under the command of Meinhart Schomberg (son of old Marshal Schomberg), to march a few miles up the river to Slane Bridge, cross the Boyne there and collapse the left flank of the Jacobite army.
James anticipated this move and dispatched Sir Neil O'Neill (a nephew of Tyrconnell) with a regiment of dragoons to block Schomberg. However, when O'Neill received a mortal wound, his men broke and fled - leaving the way open for William's forces.
Seeing this, Lauzen (a French commander who was stationed with James' army) feared that William's right flank would come up the rear of the Jacobite army and decimate it. He therefore decided to march his elite troops (and Sarsfield's cavalry) in the direction of Slane Bridge.
This decision meant that the fords near Oldbridge were virtually abandoned and left to be defended by low quality Irish soldiers. These men were of little use in combat and they were easily defeated within moments of battle being joined.
Richard Hamilton, a man of significant military gifting and ability, put himself at the head of the Jacobite cavalry. Under his command, they tried desperately to change the course of the battle by driving back the Danish brigade and successfully attacking the Huguenots.
Duke Schomberg, watching from the northern bank of the Boyne, decided that the situation needed a general's intervention. Despite the fact that he was not wearing any defensive armour, he rode into battle crying, "Come on, gentlemen, there are your persecutors."
Those were his last words. Within moments, the elderly general was surrounded by Irish cavalrymen and killed. When his body was retrieved from the river, it was discovered that he had received a bullet in the neck and a number of sabre wounds to the head.
Bishop George Walker of Londonderry was killed as he tried to go to Schomberg's aid.
King William arrived at the those points in the battle where the fighting was at its most intense. As knowledge of his presence began to spread throughout Williamite ranks, they immediately rallied and the tide was turned in their favour.
The great British historian, Lord Macaulay, was full of praise for William's conduct at the Battle of the Boyne. He made the following observations:
"One of the peculiarities of this man, ordinarily so saturnine and reserved, was that danger acted on him like wine, opened his heart, loosened his tongue, and took away all appearance of restraint from his manner. On this memorable day at the Boyne, he was seen wherever the peril was greatest."
On the other hand - James, despite previously having a rather impressive reputation as a soldier, was so concerned for his own safety that he stayed well away from the heat of battle.
Sarsfield, the brilliant Jacobite cavalry officer - and many other RC soldiers - were utterly disgusted at his cowardice, especially when compared to the bravery of King William throughout the battle.
William ordered his right flank, under the command of Meinhart Schomberg (son of old Marshal Schomberg), to march a few miles up the river to Slane Bridge, cross the Boyne there and collapse the left flank of the Jacobite army.
James anticipated this move and dispatched Sir Neil O'Neill (a nephew of Tyrconnell) with a regiment of dragoons to block Schomberg. However, when O'Neill received a mortal wound, his men broke and fled - leaving the way open for William's forces.
Seeing this, Lauzen (a French commander who was stationed with James' army) feared that William's right flank would come up the rear of the Jacobite army and decimate it. He therefore decided to march his elite troops (and Sarsfield's cavalry) in the direction of Slane Bridge.
This decision meant that the fords near Oldbridge were virtually abandoned and left to be defended by low quality Irish soldiers. These men were of little use in combat and they were easily defeated within moments of battle being joined.
Richard Hamilton, a man of significant military gifting and ability, put himself at the head of the Jacobite cavalry. Under his command, they tried desperately to change the course of the battle by driving back the Danish brigade and successfully attacking the Huguenots.
Duke Schomberg, watching from the northern bank of the Boyne, decided that the situation needed a general's intervention. Despite the fact that he was not wearing any defensive armour, he rode into battle crying, "Come on, gentlemen, there are your persecutors."
Those were his last words. Within moments, the elderly general was surrounded by Irish cavalrymen and killed. When his body was retrieved from the river, it was discovered that he had received a bullet in the neck and a number of sabre wounds to the head.
Bishop George Walker of Londonderry was killed as he tried to go to Schomberg's aid.
King William arrived at the those points in the battle where the fighting was at its most intense. As knowledge of his presence began to spread throughout Williamite ranks, they immediately rallied and the tide was turned in their favour.
The great British historian, Lord Macaulay, was full of praise for William's conduct at the Battle of the Boyne. He made the following observations:
"One of the peculiarities of this man, ordinarily so saturnine and reserved, was that danger acted on him like wine, opened his heart, loosened his tongue, and took away all appearance of restraint from his manner. On this memorable day at the Boyne, he was seen wherever the peril was greatest."
On the other hand - James, despite previously having a rather impressive reputation as a soldier, was so concerned for his own safety that he stayed well away from the heat of battle.
Sarsfield, the brilliant Jacobite cavalry officer - and many other RC soldiers - were utterly disgusted at his cowardice, especially when compared to the bravery of King William throughout the battle.
"Exchange kings with us - and we will fight you again" (Patrick Sarsfield).
As he watched his army break and run on 1st July 1690 - James realised that it was all over.
His worst nightmare had come true - his cause was lost.
The Boyne signalled utter defeat for him, his Irish followers and their French allies.
James quickly deserted the scene of battle and made for Dublin. He was soon followed by his troops.
His worst nightmare had come true - his cause was lost.
The Boyne signalled utter defeat for him, his Irish followers and their French allies.
James quickly deserted the scene of battle and made for Dublin. He was soon followed by his troops.
"The enemy ran so fast that even the cavalry could not overtake them" (General Ginkel).
Whilst there are a number of different historical accounts when it comes to the subject of what exactly happened at the Battle of the Boyne - everyone agrees that it is one of the most important battles ever fought in Irish military history.
In the Europe of the 1600s, it constituted an important success for the Grand Alliance against Louis XIV.
The drama of two kings (related to one another) fighting at an Irish river for an English throne was a sensation in and of itself. The fact that they represented the two major 'power-groups' of Europe (and were in turn supported by vast international armies) gave the Boyne an added significance.
The flight of James, and the subsequent triumphal entry of King William into Dublin, had all the marks of an overwhelming victory. With his cause comprehensively defeated at the Boyne - James' fate was sealed, and he knew it.
The Battle of the Boyne remains one of the important and decisive battles in world history.
In the Europe of the 1600s, it constituted an important success for the Grand Alliance against Louis XIV.
The drama of two kings (related to one another) fighting at an Irish river for an English throne was a sensation in and of itself. The fact that they represented the two major 'power-groups' of Europe (and were in turn supported by vast international armies) gave the Boyne an added significance.
The flight of James, and the subsequent triumphal entry of King William into Dublin, had all the marks of an overwhelming victory. With his cause comprehensively defeated at the Boyne - James' fate was sealed, and he knew it.
The Battle of the Boyne remains one of the important and decisive battles in world history.