King Billy and the Pope
During questions to the Assembly Commission the SDLP's John Dallat suggested that the oil painting depicting King Billy arriving in Ireland with the Pope apparently blessing him should be put on display in a public place in Stormont "to intrigue visitors and put another slant on our previously beleaguered history". Alliance's Sean Neeson said the Commission had received a request for the painting to go out on loan, but would consider Mr Dallat's idea. Neither politician mentioned that last time it took pride of place at Stormont it provoked a frenzied act of vandalism by some enraged Scottish loyalists, as we documented on 91Èȱ¬ News Online back in 2006.
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I was brought up with these same old stories, so I decided to research it for myself. When I found this, I laughed so much I cried:
[It is because William - a Protestant - came to England at the invitation of the Whigs to help them defeat James - a Catholic - that the Williamite war has since been described as a struggle to defend the Protestant religion against the Roman Catholic Church. However the historical realities of the alliances formed in Europe at the time explode this Orange-Unionist-Protestant myth. In fact Catholic Spain was one of William's main allies in the fight against the spread of French dominance. And - wait for it - the Pope - as temporal monarch of Italy - was a fervent supporter of William's claim to the English throne and a military ally in the fight against Louis and France. When William and his army arrived on English soil, he brought with him a Papal blessing and a banner proclaiming the support of Italy and the Pope!!]
Apologies for the fact that it was fellow Scots who vandalised your painting - sadly, there are almost as many people in the West of Scotland who believe these poisonous myths as there are in NI itself. I daresay their tiny brains melted in the blaze of truth as portrayed in the painting! If they read what I just posted, they will no doubt hang themselves with their own saches, sorry, collarettes!
sadly, there are almost as many people in the West of Scotland who believe these poisonous myths as there are in NI
Scottish bigots are among the most vociferous you will ever witness. And it's not limited to the west coast, as anybody who has been to a Hearts or Hibs game will tell you.
Most of the comments here:
are in "Scottish", and are a disgrace.
If what you say has some foundation you forgot to consider the many years that Roman Catholics, Nationalists/Republicians have wasted opposing Orange marches when they could have join in and given their support. I think you should address them as well. The brains of historians representing the reformed faith are still in mint condition.
You're all supposed to be Christians - why does it matter so much which 'flavour' of Christianity you follow??
#2 - it just proves the point that once a myth becomes embedded in the greater consciousness, no-one questions it, and it becomes the 'truth'. I don't understand your 'if what you say...' remark. Are you saying that William of Orange was NOT in fact supported by the Pope? If so, one wonders what condition your brain is in?
I had long been aware of the Williamite revolution being rather less straightforward than either orange or green bigots had realised. At last perhaps both traditions will be able to celebrate William's victory over absolute monarchy in these islands and the establishing of parliamentary democracy. Even the dail can trace its roots ultimately to William's victory.
Remember that the tricolour was deliberately designed to show peace between orange and green.
Perhaps the twelfth could become a cross community celebration and let's all enjoy the picture that epitomises it ... how about that?