Battle of the Boyne sword part of new Orange exhibition

A cavalry sword used during the Battle of the Boyne has gone on public display as part of a new exhibition in Co Fermanagh.
By The Newsroom
Published 1st Jul 2018, 15:28 BST
Updated 16th Jul 2018, 16:59 BST
At the opening of the Orange exhibition at Enniskillen Castle are (from left) Jonathan Mattison, Museum of Orange Heritage; Sinead Reilly, Museum & Heritage Centre development officer; Howard Thornton, chairman of Fermanagh & Omagh District Council; Sarah McHugh, Museum & Heritage Centre manager; Stuart Brooker, County Fermanagh grand master; and Rev Mervyn Gibson, grand secretaryAt the opening of the Orange exhibition at Enniskillen Castle are (from left) Jonathan Mattison, Museum of Orange Heritage; Sinead Reilly, Museum & Heritage Centre development officer; Howard Thornton, chairman of Fermanagh & Omagh District Council; Sarah McHugh, Museum & Heritage Centre manager; Stuart Brooker, County Fermanagh grand master; and Rev Mervyn Gibson, grand secretary
At the opening of the Orange exhibition at Enniskillen Castle are (from left) Jonathan Mattison, Museum of Orange Heritage; Sinead Reilly, Museum & Heritage Centre development officer; Howard Thornton, chairman of Fermanagh & Omagh District Council; Sarah McHugh, Museum & Heritage Centre manager; Stuart Brooker, County Fermanagh grand master; and Rev Mervyn Gibson, grand secretary

The authentic weapon is one of a number of notable artefacts on show in the ‘From Grey to Orange’ exhibition covering the history of the Orange Institution from its earliest origins in the lakeland county, to the present day, focusing in particular on local stories and personalities.

The Boyne sword was in the possession of an Inniskillener, William Frith, fighting with the Williamite forces during the seminal battle 328 years ago.

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Other pieces include significant historical documents, regalia and items relating to Fermanagh’s Orange heritage.

The exhibition at Fermanagh County Museum, Enniskillen Castle, was opened by the chairman of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Howard Thornton.

He said: “The council is pleased to have worked in partnership with the Orange Institution to bring this exhibition to the district. The exhibition aims to bring the history, customs and traditions of the Orange Order to a wider audience. Through the council’s Museum and Heritage service, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council aims to engage with all communities, abilities and faiths to promote inclusion, understanding and wellbeing.”

Stuart Brooker, Fermanagh county grand master said: “The exhibition is a comprehensive display highlighting the cultural traditions and heritage of Fermanagh Orangeism at its best. We are delighted to showcase such an impressive historical collection, with local relevance, which we believe will inform and educate.”

This exhibition runs until September 2. Normal admission rates to the museum apply. For further information please visit www.enniskillencastle.co.uk or telephone 028 6632 5000.

Related topics:Co FermanaghFermanagh County Museum