Book Description

In the Bloodless Glorious Revolution of 1688, King James II, a Roman Catholic, lost the throne of England to his daughter, Mary, and her Protestant husband, William, Prince of Orange, at the request of parliament. After seeking refuge with Louis XIV of France, James, in opportunity to strike back at William through Ireland. The two monarchs came face-to-face at the River Boyne (a few miles west of Dragheda), and the resulting battle is still celebrated (on 12th July) by Irish Protestants. Today, however, many people question question the historical importance of the battle, claiming that it was little more than a minor skirmish with no real religious or political significance. They also deride William s role and expertise in defeating his father-in-law on the day. In this well-researched biography, Michael Sheane answers those questions and charts William III s life from childhood through to his victory at the Battle of the Boyne.