William of Orange at the boyne

 

Presentation Brothers
Early History 1169-1704
The Battle of the Boyne

William of Orange arrived with troops which included Germans, Danes and French Huguenots. With those already in Ireland under the Dutch General Schomberg, William's army numbered 35,000, well armed and well equipped. James' forces, including English regiments which were still loyal, French troops sent by Louis XIV and some Irish infantry and cavalry, numbered 25,000.

The two sides met at the River Boyne in Co. Meath in July 1690. Schomberg was killed in the battle but the Williamite army won a decisive victory. James fled to France while his army regrouped and marched westwards, suffering further defeats at Athlone and Aughrim.