20/05/2026
Credit William Dickson (Belfast)
1847: The Twelfth Parade During The Great Famine – A Little‑Known Chapter of Belfast History
In 1847, the Great Famine was at its worst. Across Ireland — and here in Belfast — people faced terrible hunger, disease, and widespread death. In the city, the distress was plain to see, and this hardship cast a long shadow over preparations for the annual 12th July parades.
At that time, the Orange Order was deeply divided over whether it was right to go ahead with the parades at all. The News‑Letter newspaper urged Orangemen to show restraint, arguing that public celebration would be out of place while so many were suffering. The decision was put to a vote — and the motion to hold the parade was passed by just two votes, an incredibly narrow result that shows how evenly split opinion was.
In recognition of the suffering all around them, the lodges agreed on a special arrangement: they would parade, but in complete silence. No banners would be waved, and no music played within the town — a deliberate mark of respect for those affected by the famine.
On the day, 27 lodges assembled at the White Linen Hall (see photo), on the site where Belfast City Hall now stands. A band led the procession, but remained silent until they had left Belfast behind. It was only when they reached open country that they played Protestant Boys, as they made their way to Purdystown, on the estate of R. Ball. There they were joined by brethren from Derriaghy and Saintfield.
On the return journey, the same rule applied: silence was observed as they re‑entered the town. Before dispersing, the lodges halted at King William’s Field — a place many people today would not know existed — located on the Malone Road, between what we now know as Cranmore Park and Osborne Park.
