An old engraving of the William III statue being painted black by protesters in Dublin, Ireland in the early 1800s. It is from a Victorian history book of The William III statue stands in front of Trinity College, Dublin. By 1790s, the statue took on a sectarian significance and attacks were made on the statue during 1800s. In 1805 supporters of Catholic emancipation covered the horse with a mixture of tar and grease. In 1928 the statue of William was blown up by the IRA.
An old engraving of the William III statue being painted black by protesters in Dublin, Ireland in the early 1800s. It is from a Victorian history book of The William III statue stands in front of Trinity College, Dublin. By 1790s, the statue took on a sectarian significance, especially after the founding of the Orange Order in 1795, with William representing ‘Protestant Ascendancy’ and a victory over ‘Popery’, Catholics, democratic reformers and revolutionaries. The Orange Order held rallies at it and decorated the statue with orange ribbons. It became a target for enemies of the establishment. In 1798, the year of the United Irish rebellion, William’s sword was removed and an attempt made to saw off the head. Further attacks were made on the statue during 1800s. In 1805 supporters of Catholic emancipation covered the horse with a mixture of tar and grease, while in 1837 the figure was blown completely off the horse. In 1928 the statue of William was blown up by the IRA.
Size: 4252px × 3292px
Location: Trinity College, Dublin, Eire
Photo credit: © M&N / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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