A group of students from Sweden have been hearing about the
European aspects to the Battle of the Boyne.
Twenty one students and their teachers from Sollentuna, a
suburb of Stockholm, have visited Schomberg House, headquarters
of the Institution, to learn more about Orangeism.
The visitors were briefed on the Order by the Grand Master,
Robert Saulters, and were given a lecture on the history of
the Williamite period as well as the formation of the Orange
Institution by the Order's Director of Services, Dr. David
Hume.
The teenagers are engaged in peace and conflict studies and
during their visit to the Orange Order headquarters heard
that the significance of the Battle of the Boyne included
that it was a European battle, involving French, Swedish,
Dutch, English, Irish and Ulster troops.
The Swedish visitors were shown around the museum at Schomberg
House, which includes among its artefacts a saddle cloth embroidered
in pure gold and used by King William III. They also were
enthralled with an Orange banner from Ontario in Canada, which
portrays William crossing the Boyne and which is in the possession
of the Director of Services.
The Grand Master, Robert Saulters, said: "We are delighted
to welcome visitors to Schomberg House and hope that the visit
proved educational for this group from Stockholm."
"We trust the students will leave Northern Ireland with
a more informed view about the Orange Institution, and wish
them well with their studies."
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