Battle Of The Boyne
In an attempt to regain the thrones of England and Scotland, King James II of England & Ireland attempted to take the throne to defend Protestantism. This resulted from the “Invitation To William” from the Immortal Seven English peers to take the throne in defense of Protestantism. The Battle of The Boyne took place on July 1, 1690, Old Style and it was between the forces of deposed King James II of England & Ireland against King William III and his wife Queen Mary II.
United Kingdom (Local holiday)This battle took place close to the town of Drogheda in what is now the modern-day Republic Of Ireland but was then known as the Kingdom Of Ireland. It occurred across the River Boyne. This battle caused the tides of the war to turn against James and resulted in a victory for William. This marked a turning point during the war and aided in the continued Protestant ascendancy in the Kingdom Of Ireland. The holiday The Twelfth-a holiday that falls on the 12th of July-celebrates the victory of Protestant William Of Orange over Catholic King James II.
Facts About The Battle Of The Boyne
During the course of all of our research on the Battle Of The Boyne, we came across some interesting facts about it that we think everyone reading about this historical battle is going to want to know more about. So without further ado, we’re going to deliver everyone reading some facts about this battle and its implications on the course of history.
The Battle Was Between A Protestant Dutch Prince And A Deposed Catholic English King
Anyone attempting to understand this battle or the events surrounding it, one of the most important pieces of information we can give is that it was the result of James II of England & Ireland being deposed. He was deposed in a bloodless coup two years prior when the Dutch Prince was invited to overthrow him by prominent English Protestants who were fearful of his promotion of Catholicism in the Protestant-majority country.
William’s Men Had To Cross The River Boyne
Although William’s forces had to cross the River Boyne on horseback to confront James’ forces that had been situated on the river’s south bank, they were able to do so due to their superior numbers. Williams forces outnumbered James forces by almost 11,000 men. William had 23,500 soldiers and James only had 12,500.
James Would Go Into Exile After The Battle
This battle was the last time these two crowned kings of England, Ireland, and Scotland would face off against each other on the battlefield. After William’s win, he marched on Dublin, and James abandoned his army during their retreat. James would go on and escape to France. It is there in France that he lived out the rest of his life in exile.
Modern Celebrations Of This Battle
The winning of the Battle Of The Boyne is celebrated as an Ulster Protestant holiday known as The Twelfth. This holiday was first held in the 18th century in Ulster and celebrates the Glorious Revolution of 1688 and the victory of this King William of Orange over King James II at The Battle Of The Boyne.
United Kingdom (Local holiday)
