Army of the North (Ireland) facts for kids
The Army of the North was a special group of soldiers formed in Ireland in 1689. These soldiers were Protestants from a part of Ireland called Ulster. They did not agree with the rule of King James II, who was Catholic. Instead, they supported the Glorious Revolution, which brought a new king to the throne.
This army was created to stand against the Royal Irish Army. The Royal Irish Army had removed many Protestant officers and soldiers, replacing them with Catholics. Important local leaders, like the young Sir Arthur Rawdon, helped organize the Army of the North.
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What Was the Army of the North?
The Army of the North was a volunteer force. It was made up of Protestants who wanted to protect their beliefs and way of life. They felt that King James II was taking away their rights.
Why Was It Formed?
The main reason the Army of the North was formed was to oppose King James II. He was a Catholic king who had taken over the throne of England, Scotland, and Ireland. Many Protestants in Ireland worried about his rule. They supported William of Orange, who was a Protestant and had taken over the throne in England during the Glorious Revolution.
Who Led the Army?
A group called the General Council of Union, also known as the Council of Five, was in charge of the Army of the North. They sent messages to London to get support from William III. William III agreed with their actions and gave them his blessing.
The Army's Battles
King James II's government in Dublin did not like this new army. They sent their own troops, led by Richard Hamilton, to stop the rebellion in the north.
Major Defeats
The Army of the North faced two big defeats.
- The first was at the Break of Dromore.
- The second was at the Battle of Cladyford.
After these losses, many of the soldiers in the Army of the North went home.
The Siege of Derry
Some of the soldiers who survived the defeats went to Derry. Derry was a city that was still holding out against King James II's forces. These survivors helped defend the city during the successful defense of Derry. This was a very important event in the war.
