When was the Battle of the Boyne and how is William of Orange commemorated with The Twelfth and the Orange Walk in 2019?

THE Battle of the Boyne marked the last time two Kings of England fought each other on the battlefield and brought in the Protestant Ascendancy.

More than 300 years on, in 2019, it remains an extremely important and contentious date in Northern Ireland. Read on for more.

When was the Battle of the Boyne?

The Battle of the Boyne began on July 1, 1690, across the River Boyne near the town of Drogheda in the east of Ireland.

The river lies just north of Dublin.

In line with the old Julian calendar the clash took place on July 1.

But under the Gregorian calendar the fight took place on July 12.

Out of around 60,000 troops that fought in the battle only some 2,250 are thought to have been killed with the clash only lasting approximately four hours.

William's victory ushered in the Protestant Ascendancy.

Who fought the Battle of the Boyne?

William of Orange, who had recently been crowned joint monarch of England in 1689, fought his uncle the Catholic James II.

William led the army north of the river and James led his troops stationed on the south side.

He had sought to put an end to James' hopes of forming a so-called royal Catholic dynasty in Britain.

But it also ended the survival of Protestant areas around England.

How is it commemorated with The Twelfth and the Orange Walk?

Orange Walks are held by Protestant affiliated organisations, in the run up to the anniversary of the battle on July 12.

The Glorious Twelfth is a bank holiday in Northern Ireland.

Those who participate in the Orange Walks celebrate their Protestant heritage, "secured" by William of Orange.

Some have expressed criticism as to why it is celebrated on July 12, claiming there was a miscalculation of dates.

But William's victory has been celebrated on July 12 for more than 200 years.