<P> The battle took place on 1 July 1690 O.S. William 's forces defeated James 's army , which consisted mostly of raw recruits . Although the Williamite War in Ireland continued until October 1691 , James fled to France ( again ) after the Boyne , never to return . The symbolic importance of this battle has made it one of the best - known battles in the history of the British Isles and a key part of the folklore of the Orange Order . Its commemoration today is principally by the Protestant Orange Institution , which records the first commemorative parades as having been held in 1791 . </P>
<P> The battle took place on 1 July 1690 O.S. William 's forces defeated James 's army , which consisted mostly of raw recruits . Although the Williamite War in Ireland continued until October 1691 , James fled to France ( again ) after the Boyne , never to return . The symbolic importance of this battle has made it one of the best - known battles in the history of the British Isles and a key part of the folklore of the Orange Order . Its commemoration today is principally by the Protestant Orange Institution , which records the first commemorative parades as having been held in 1791 . </P>
when did the battle of the boyne start
when did the battle of the boyne start
1 July 1690
1 July 1690