Orangemen in Lurgan have launched a project to ‘showcase and preserve’ the history of old painted banners used by lodges in the town.
It’s hoped that a book will be produced, in time for Orange Heritage Week in September 2025, containing a history of each lodge in the area, alongside details of when and where each banner was unfurled.
There are also plans for the banners to be exhibited in Brownlow House, the headquarters of the Orange Institution’s Lurgan District.
The project will also showcase banners relating to the Junior Orange Association, Ladies Orange Association, Royal Arch Purple Chapter, Royal Black Institution and the Apprentice Boys of Derry.
Lurgan Orange District will be taking the lead, and all profits from the book and exhibition will be donated to charity.
The District has extended its appeal out into the local community, and has asked anyone who may be aware of old banners or artefacts – or even old photographs – relating to the Orange Order in Lurgan to get in touch.
Lurgan District Officer Ross Hall explained: “After the Twelfth of July last year, I came to think about some of the old banners that sit in Brownlow House and other Orange Halls and how they don’t have the same opportunity to be seen by the public.
“I wanted to create something that would allow these old banners to be displayed for people to see and create a record of them so they will always be remembered.
“What we plan to do is publish a book, that will contain photos and histories of lodges and the banners they’ve had over the years. In addition to the book, we plan to run an exhibition in Brownlow House that will allow many of the old banners to be seen by the public.
“For many people it’ll be the only opportunity to see these banners in person as some are many decades old. It’s not just the Orange who are involved, but all the loyal orders in Lurgan including the Junior Orange Association, Women’s Orange Association, Royal Arch Purple, Royal Black Institution and Apprentice Boys of Derry.”
Speaking on the importance of banners, Ross continued: “Banners are one of the most recognisable images associated with the loyal orders. Each one is unique and tells a story. They don’t just merely identify the lodge that carries them, but through their images tell a story.
“There are a wide array of images on banners, ranging from biblical scenes, historical events and memorials to deceased members or notable people. Each banner would have taken a considerable amount of time to create, whether painted or embroidered, and treasured by lodges over the course of it’s life.
“Banners can be used for over 30 years before they are replaced. After they have been retired, most just sit in halls only to be seen by those who visit. By hosting the exhibition and publishing the book, we are giving many more people the chance to learn about these banners, the history behind them and the lodges who own them.”
John Dumigan, District Master of the Lurgan Lodge, says the town is steeped in Orange history.
“Lurgan has always been to the forefront of Orangeism, indeed being one of the towns to host the first Twelfth of July parades in 1796 after the formation of the Orange Order the previous September.
“On that day Orangemen paraded around Lurgan lake to Brownlow House. Remember this would’ve been the old Brownlow House, before the current one was built between 1833 and 1836.
“After the Brownlow family left Lurgan, Brownlow House was purchased by Lurgan District Loyal Orange Lodge No.6 at the turn of the 20th century and we still own it today, over 120 years later.
“It is the largest Orange Hall in the world and we are incredibly proud to call it home. With such a rich history, we are keen to preserve and showcase it, and this book and exhibition will allow us to do just that.”
In an appeal to the wider public, Ross added: “Sadly some banners have been lost over the years, as well as other Orange items. Orange Halls were and still are the focus of attacks from republicans, with over 80 attacks over just seven years as recently as 2017-2024.
“Banners and other items have therefore been stolen or burnt in these attacks and so instead of being kept at the hall, sometimes they are kept in members’ houses.
“What can sometimes happen, sadly, is these items get forgotten about and lost in house moves or clearances. We would therefore appeal to the public: if you have anything at home related to the loyal orders that you wish to donate or have no need for, please get in contact with us.
“We have two museums in Brownlow House and one has many Orange items from over the years and we would welcome additions to it.”
Those with any information or artefacts are asked to contact: tours@brownlowcastle.com.
