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The Orange Order In
Groomsport

It is difficult to be clear about the history of Orange Lodges in Groomsport.

It is thought that a lodge LOL 859, which had a “marching warrant” was formed in the 1840s. Valuation records show that, in 1864, the “Orange Society” had a house, offices and a small garden, in Main Street, leased from Robert Perceval-Maxwell. This record also notes that John Waterson, who lived two doors away, was the Worshipful Master.

A newspaper report in July 1875 noted that two Groomsport lodges had taken part in the celebrations at Newtownards. The identity of the second lodge is uncertain.

It would appear that the LOL 859’s original warrant was damaged and they applied for a new one. It is thought that a clerical error resulted in “Schomberg’s True Blues” being warranted as LOL 589 in 1879, not LOL 859. It is not clear whether or not members of the earlier lodge joined Schomberg’s True Blues. This lodge continues to meet today.

In 1905, LOL 1038, “Maxwell’s Defenders”, was warranted. It ceased to meet about 1931.

Records show that membership of the two lodges peaked around the time of the partition of Ireland. In 1921 LOL 589 had 58 members and LOL 1038 had 53 members, a total of 111.

Also, in December 1921, a Women’s Lodge – “Schomberg’s Loyal Daughters”, Women’s LOL 77 – was established in the village.

In 1935, following the demolition of the Orange Hall on Main Street, Schomberg’s True Blues and Schomberg’s Loyal Daughters moved to a newly-built hall on Springwell Road.

Find out more about the Schomberg Monument at:
https://discovergroomsport.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Schomberg-Monument.pdf

Groomsport Orange Hall, 1885 to 1934

Groomsport Orange Hall, 1934 onwards

Junior Orange Lodge, 1960s

Unfurling of new banner for Schomberg’s True Blues LOL 589. July 1935

Schomberg Monument, 1952. 1 of 3

Schomberg Monument, 1952. 2 of 3

Schomberg Monument, 1952. 3 of 3 - Belfast News Letter 16th June 1952

Schomberg Monument, 2024

Schomberg’s Loyal Daughters, date unknown

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Groomsport Orange Hall, 1885 to 1934

The Orange Hall was the smaller white building beside the Maxwell Hall on Main Street. The Orange Hall was opened on 5th September 1885. Valuation records show that the “Orange Society” had occupied a building on that site, at least from 1864

0270 Photograph supplied by Groomsport Parish Archive

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Groomsport Orange Hall, 1934 onwards

This Orange Hall, on the Springwell Road, replaced the one which had been in Main Street. The foundation stones, on either side of the front door were laid on 23rd December 1933 by WS Kingan, of Glenganagh and Bro. John Gamblin.

The hall was opened on 2nd April 1934 by Mrs Kingan and the Viscount Craig, the Prime Minister of Northern Ireland presided at the meeting.
0271 Photograph by Peter Gibson

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This photograph has the following on the reverse.

Junior Orange Lodge, 1960s

0232 Photograph supplied by Roberta Waterson Fraser
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Unfurling of new banner for Schomberg’s True Blues LOL 589. July 1935

The banner was unfurled in 1935 at Glenganagh, the home of W S Kinghan who is on the left of the photograph. Others are Mrs Kinghan, W J Forsythe and Rev Harris, Rector of Groomsport. In the background is Willie Gaw.

The three men commemorated on the banner are William Johnston MP (of Ballykilbeg), Robert Perceval-Maxwell and Samuel Kinghan of Glenganagh.

0054 North Down Museum. Copyright: Ards and North Down Borough Council

Schomberg Monument, 1952. 1 of 3

The monument, which commemorates the landing of the Duke of Schomberg in Groomsport on 13th August 1689, was paid for by the King William III Club of Belfast and Groomsport’s Orange lodge – The Schomberg’s True Blues, LOL 589.

In this photograph, published in the Belfast News Letter on 13th June 1952, the Watch House and the former Coast Guard cottages can be seen in the background.

0272 Newspaper extract supplied by Peter Gibson
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Schomberg Monument, 1952. 2 of 3

This photograph of the platform party at the unveiling of the Schomberg Monument was published in the Belfast News Letter on 16th June 1952.

0273 Newspaper extract supplied by Peter Gibson.

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Schomberg Monument, 1952. 3 of 3

Belfast News Letter 16th June 1952

Newspaper extracts supplied by Peter Gibson.

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Schomberg Monument, 2024

The inscription reads:

“1688-1690. Field Marshall Frederic, Duke of Schomberg K.G. landed at Groomsport 13th August 1689 on his march from Groomsport to Carrickfergus, which he captured and where in the following year he joined forces with King William III Prince of Orange and fell gloriously at the Battle of the Boyne fighting in defence of the Protestant Faith. King William III Club 131.”

0275 Photograph by Peter Gibson

Schomberg’s Loyal Daughters, date unknown

0303 Newspaper extract supplied by Ruth Fee

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