Northern Ireland Screen's Digital Film Archive is a free public access resource for teachers, students, historians and anyone who has an interest in moving images. Spanning from 1897 to the present day, the films in the Digital Film Archive cover all aspects of life in Northern Ireland and includes everything from dramas to documentaries, newsreels and features, animation to amateur footage.
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Scarva: Sham Fight (1959)
A theatrical re-enactment brings alive the victory of William III of Orange over the Catholic King James II at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690.
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Overview
On the 13th of July, Scarva – a small town in County Down – is the scene of the “Sham Fight”. As can be seen, the event is hugely popular, attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year. This film shows various stages of the re-enactment, the participants playing their part with gusto. Groups of men march and ride amidst the tightly-packed crowd and trade (blank) gunfire shots.
Rushes by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board. Parade of Black Proceptory headed by Canadian Accordian band. Various shots of brethren and bands. Close up of grand masters. Sham fight, two kings and troops emerge from castle gateway and the two armies engage in battle. One group is dressed in white and red to represent the soldiers of King William, whilst the other group wears the white and green of King James’ forces. Green flag is destroyed and King James is taken prisoner.
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