The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #30324 Message #3776895
Posted By: GUEST,protectionist
05-Mar-16 - 09:26 PM
Thread Name: Origin: Billy in the Lowland / ... Low Ground
Subject: RE: Origin: Billy in the Lowland / ... Low Ground
I have heard the tune refers to the Battle of the Boyne in 1690) in which the Irish King William III (AKA William of Orange), who was also a Dutch prince, defeated the troops of another Irish King, King James II.
The battle is important in Ireland's Catholic/Protestant relations, and was fought in a swampy, low valley field.