Noble Orangeman

The Noble Orangeman A portrait of the life of Lieutenant Colonel Blackerby J.S.Kane. DURING its 200 year history, the Orange Institution has had many colourful charac- ters asmembers - none more so than Lieutenant Colonel William Blacker, the 'Bard of... More

The Noble Orangeman A portrait of the life of Lieutenant Colonel Blackerby J.S.Kane. DURING its 200 year history, the Orange Institution has had many colourful charac- ters asmembers - none more so than Lieutenant Colonel William Blacker, the 'Bard of Armagh'. Blacker's contribu- tion to the growth and spread of Orangeism in Co. Armagh cannot be un- der-estimated. He was the first of the landed gentry to join the Order and be- cause of his association with it, encour- aged many of his contemporaries to be- come members. Blacker brought disci- pline to the ranks and always encouraged his brethren to conduct themselves within the law. Perhaps his greatest legacy is the wealth ofwritings, songs and information much of which extends to seven volumes of personal diaries, detailing his life and times and which gives a fascinating in- sight into the Orange Order's beginnings and early demonstrations. Old Family Legend Born in 1777, the son of the Reverend Stewart Blacker - who was later tobe- Less