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A valuable and historic book from the year of the Battle
of the Boyne has been presented by Belfast City Council to
the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland.
The Paymaster General's Book from 1690 was held by Belfast
City Council for many years after having been presented to
Belfast Corporation. When the council realised the importance
of the book and the records it contained about King William's
Army, they approached the Orange Order.
Councillor William Humphrey, Chairman of the Council Culture,
Development and Arts Committee, presented the book - on permanent
loan - to the Orange Order. It will be held in their headquarters,
Schomberg House, and form part of their archive.
The Paymaster General was Thomas Coningsby, an ardent supporter
of King William, who was alongside him for much of the Williamite
Wars.
The Orange Order Library in Schomberg House is called the
Conningsby Room.
Councillor Humphrey said that Belfast City Council did not
really appreciate the historical significance of the book.
"We knew that it had been presented to the old Belfast
Corporation way back in the mists of time," he said.
"But, we did not really appreciate just how much information
there was in it, until we gave it a more detailed examination.
You could almost say this was a narrative of the events of
1690 and the start of the Williamite Wars. It is incredibly
interesting and fortunately has been maintained in pristine
condition.
"We decided to give it on permanent loan to the Orange
Order so that more people would have access to it and read
the fascinating detail."
Dr. Jonathan Mattison, Research Assistant at the Grand Orange
Lodge of Ireland, said the book was a goldmine of information.
"We are delighted to have such an important piece of
history for display in Schomberg House," he said.
"We are currently developing plans for the creation
of an Interpretative and Educational Centre so that the whole
community can learn about the Orange and related tradition
in Irish, British and world history. Manuscript material like
this book will have pride of place.
"We are extremely grateful to Belfast City Council for
placing such an item with us."
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