The War of The Two Kings
The war in Ireland was part of two greater struggles : the second British Civil War and the War of the League of Augsburg. As a direct consequence of the Glorious Revolution in England King James fled to France and the Stadtholder of the Dutch Republic, William of Orange, became King William III.
Siege of Derry After William landed in England James’ Lord Deputy in Ireland, Richard Talbot, the 1st Earl of Tyrconnel, acted to ensure that the strong points in Ireland were garrisoned by troops loyal to James. In November 1688 Tyrconnel ordered the garrison regiment in Londonderry to march to Dublin. It was to be replaced by the Earl of Antrim’s Regiment but when Antrim’s leading elements crossed the Foyle they found the gates closed to them by 13 young apprentices. On 18th April, 1689 further Jacobite forces arrived and so began the 105 day siege. Finally, on the evening of 28th July 1689, British Williamite ships broke the boom of logs and chains on the River Foyle and the city was relieved.
Enniskillen Nearby in Enniskillen armed Williamite civilians were organised into a formidable irregular force. From their base in Enniskillen they carried out raids against Jacobite forces in Ulster, Leinster and Connacht and on 28th July 1669 defeated the Jacobites at the Battle of Newtownbutler. Following this defeat and the Williamite landing in eastern Ulster most Jacobites withdrew and encamped near Dundalk.
The Boyne William arrived at Carrickfergus with 36,000 troops on 14th June 1690 and marched south towards Dublin. The Jacobites set up defensive positions on the south bank of the River Boyne. On 1st July the Williamite forces attacked and forced the retreat of the Jacobite army. The demoralised James left the field ahead of his army. He fled Ireland and returned to exile in France.
Aughrim The most bloody battle to take place on Irish soil. The Dutch General Ginkel inflicted a crushing defeat upon the Jacobite and French forces which lost up to 8,000 men, or about half their army, killed, wounded or taken prisoner. This defeat led to the signing of The Treaty of Limerick and the end of the war in Ireland. This had a profound and lasting effect on Ireland, Britain and indeed, Europe.
Williamite Itinerary
| Day 1 | You will be met by your tour host at Schomberg House on the Cregagh Road, Belfast. There you will receive a tour, a presentation on the campaign and the opportunity to view the Williamite Archive Collection, including the saddlecloth used by William at the Battle of the Boyne. Following this you will board your coach and travel to the Maiden City of Londonderry. After lunch you will visit the Apprentice Boys' Memorial Hall and Museum and walk the famous walls. Time permitting we will visit St Columb's Cathedral, the Tower Museum and places of tactical interest such as the Windmill, the Boom and the Rath. You will have the evening at leisure in your hotel. |
| Day 2 | After this you will travel to the site of the Battle of the Boyne for the finale of your Williamite Trail. You will receive a tour of the visitor Centre, view a laser battlefield model, see displays of 17th century weaponry, exhibitions and walk in the footsteps of those who participated in the biggest single engagement to take place on British or Irish soil. Following your visit to the Boyne you will be transported back to Schomberg House for dispersal. |
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