Siege of Athlone (1690) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Siege of Athlone (1690)
Part of the Williamite War in Ireland
Date 17 July 17, 1690 – 24 July 17, 1690 Location Athlone, Ireland Result Jacobite victory
Belligerents
Jacobites  France	Williamites  Dutch Republic
Commanders and leaders
Richard Grace	James Douglas
Strength
4,500	12,000
Casualties and losses
Unknown	400 casualties

The Siege of Athlone in 1690 was an important event during the Williamite War in Ireland. This war was a big fight between two groups. One group supported King James II, and they were called the Jacobites. The other group supported King William of Orange, and they were known as the Williamites.

The siege began on July 17, 1690. Williamite General James Douglas led his army to the town of Athlone. The town was held by the Jacobites.

What Happened at the Siege of Athlone?

The Williamite army had about 12,000 soldiers. They arrived outside Athlone, ready to take the town. The Jacobite leader defending Athlone was Colonel Richard Grace. He decided to protect the western part of the town.

Preparing for Battle

Before the Williamite army got there, the Jacobite troops destroyed the bridge. This bridge crossed the Shannon River. It connected the eastern and western parts of Athlone. This made it harder for the Williamites to cross. The Jacobite soldiers defending the town numbered about 4,500.

A Brave Refusal

General Douglas sent a message to Colonel Grace. He demanded that Grace surrender the town. But Colonel Grace was very brave. He fired a pistol shot over the messenger's head. He then said, "These are my terms; these only, I will give or receive, and when my provisions are consumed, I will defend till I eat my old boots." This meant he would fight until the very end.

The Fight Begins

After Grace's refusal, General Douglas started attacking the town. His army used twelve cannons and two mortars. These were big guns that fired shells. The defenders of Athlone fired back with their own guns.

For two days, the Williamite army tried to cross the Shannon River. But the Jacobite defenders pushed them back. The Williamites lost many soldiers in these attempts.

The Williamites Retreat

The heavy fighting continued between the two sides. It lasted until July 24. General Douglas was forced to give up. His army had lost about 400 soldiers. He also heard that Patrick Sarsfield and more Jacobite soldiers were coming to help Athlone. So, Douglas decided to leave.

What Happened Next?

The Jacobites successfully defended Athlone in 1690. They held the town for a week against a much larger army. However, the Williamite army returned a year later. They attacked Athlone again in 1691. This time, they managed to capture the town. Colonel Richard Grace, the brave defender, died fighting during this second siege of Athlone.