Almost as soon as the smoke of battle had cleared and the capital of Ireland was back under Williamite control the city began planning one of the biggest celebrations it had ever seen. The Government of the day began planning a birthday party for the King, as a tribute to their great Deliverer, as a sign of their loyalty, to give thanks to God for his help and to show their resolve to win the war that was still raging in the west of Ireland.

As an Institution dedicated to the memory of King William III Prince of Orange, we continue those celebrations of his birthday. Indeed at one time its celebration and the commemoration of his landing in England on 5 November gave rise to a double celebration which for many years was a civic event established by law. Dublin became a centre for these celebrations and the equestrian statue of King William at College Green in front of Trinity College hosted annual parades and celebrations which first began on 4 November 1690, King Williams’s fortieth birthday.

Despite the sectarian attacks on this display of loyalty and commemoration of our Glorious Heritage Orangemen across Ireland, and indeed the world still remembers that great double celebration of 4-5 November. Many lodges hold meetings on that night with some even holding off installations of officers to ensure that it falls on or near that date. Toasts are still made and the event marked at dinners and private gatherings.