Orangemen Collection

Fighting in the Marrowbone area of Belfast
Fighting in the so-called Marrowbone district of Belfast - an encounter between Sinn Feiners on the left, in Glenpark Street, and loyalist Orangemen in Louisa Street

Irish Land League: In 1880 Parnell began campaign of social ostracism. Captain Boycott
527662 Irish Land League: In 1880 Parnell began campaign of social ostracism. Captain Boycott, agent for Lord Erne's Mayo estates, was one of the first victims

The Prince of Wales in Canada - the Orangemen's Arch at Toronto, 1860. Creator: Unknown
The Prince of Wales in Canada - the Orangemen's Arch at Toronto, 1860. The future King Edward VII in North America. The outburst of Orangeism in Upper Canada led...to several unpleasant results

12th of July march, Orange Order, Belfast, c. 1890 s
12th of July march, Orange Order, Shaftesbury Square, Belfast, c.1890 s

Belfast, 1912, showing the football ground & Ulster Hall
Overhead drawing of Belfast, showing the football ground and the position of Ulster Hall. Illustration accompanied a feature in The Sphere reporting on Winston Churchills visit to Belfast in 1912

The Riots in Belfast, Orangemen attacking the Procession (engraving)
1588869 The Riots in Belfast, Orangemen attacking the Procession (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Riots in Belfast)

The Real Irish Traitor! or, The Loyal Orangeman (colour litho)
3648250 The Real Irish Traitor! or, The Loyal Orangeman (colour litho) by Morgan, Matthew " Matt" Somerville (1839-90); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Real Irish Traitor)

The annual celebration of the Relief of Derry, attracted a large group of nationalist protesters in Londonderry, commemorate the events in 1689 when a 105 day siege of the city by Jacobites was

Orangemen on parade, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Close-up of Orangemen on parade in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Date: 1969

An Excellent Royal Extinguisher. Cartoon of Richard, 1st Marquess Wellesley, as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, extinguishing the Orange Club with the Kings (George IV) giant candle snuffer

Band and Orangemen on parade, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Shankill Rangers girls marching band and Orangemen on parade in Belfast, Northern Ireland, with the City Hall in the background. Date: 1969

Orangemen on parade, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Orangemen on parade in Belfast, Northern Ireland, with the City Hall in the background. Date: 1969

A Glorious Celebration, 1886 (engraving)
XJF476209 A Glorious Celebration, 1886 (engraving) by Irish School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: A satirical portrayal of Orangemen celebrating after the riots that followed)

Irish Land League: In 1880 Parnell began campaign of social ostracism. Captain Boycott, agent for Lord Ernes Mayo estates, was one of the first victims

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"Orangemen: A Legacy of Tradition and Tension in Belfast's History" Fighting in the Marrowbone area of Belfast, a vivid reminder of the deep-rooted divisions that have plagued this city for centuries. The 12th of July march, organized by the Orange Order, has become an emblematic event showcasing both pride and controversy. In the late 1890s, Belfast was a bustling hub where football grounds like Ulster Hall stood as symbols of unity amidst sectarian tensions. However, these tensions often erupted into violence during riots when Orangemen clashed with those they perceived as threats to their traditions. "The Riots in Belfast, " an engraving capturing one such clash between Orangemen and procession attendees, serves as a haunting testament to the volatile nature of these events, and is a stark reminder that even celebrations can quickly turn into scenes of chaos and destruction. "The Real Irish Traitor. Or The Loyal Orangeman, " a color lithograph from this era, reflects how deeply divided loyalties could be seen within society. This artwork encapsulates the polarizing effect that being an Orangeman had on individuals' identities during this time period. The annual celebration commemorating the Relief of Derry further fueled passions among Orangemen who saw themselves as defenders of Protestant heritage against Catholic influence. These events were marked by fervent displays of loyalty and devotion to their cause. An Excellent Royal Extinguisher - referring to King William III - highlights how deeply ingrained symbolism was within Orange culture. For many members, it represented resistance against oppression while simultaneously asserting their allegiance to British rule. Despite ongoing tensions surrounding parades and demonstrations throughout history, images depicting bands playing alongside proud Orangemen on parade demonstrate moments when unity prevailed over division. These snapshots serve as reminders that there are instances where common ground can be found amongst diverse communities. Belfast's history is intertwined with that of its passionate Orangemen.