Ulster Youth Group Uniforms

Figure 1.-- This CDV probably dates from the 1870s. We see three boys wearing suits, but with distinctive hats. The Photographer was T Mc Kay, 70 Hill St Newry. This was one of several studios operated by the Ulster Portrait Co. We would hazard a guess that they are somthing to do with an Ulster Religious/Political/fraternal organisation, presumably a junior auxilery. It is perhaps associated with the Loyalist Tradition and boys who are directly or indirectly attached to something along the lines of the Orange Order.

Ulster is of course part of the United Kingdom, located and often refrred to as northeren Ireland. We note some photographs even in the 19th century suggesting some fraternal organizations, perhaps associated with the the religious and political dividsions in Ulster. We do not know how important they were. We know of only two major boys' youth organizations in Ulster, the Boy Scouts and the Boys' Brigade. As far as we know, Ulster Scouting was essentially the same as English Scouting. We know of no significant difference. At the time of the founding of both Scouting and the Boys' Brigade, all of Ireland was part of the United Kingdom. After World War, the Irish began to move toward independence. Protestant northern Ireland remained loyal to Britain and are thus often referred to as loyalists. We assume a badge identified Ulster Cubs and Scouts. We wonder if English boys in Ulster also wore that badge. Perhaps it was seen as a unit identifier. We know nothing about the Boys' Brigade in Ulster. Hopefully an Ulster reader will be able to provide us more information.

Political/Religious/Fraternal Groups

Ulster is of course part of the United Kingdom, located and often refrred to as northeren Ireland. We note some photographs even in the 19th century suggesting some fraternal organizations, perhaps associated with the the religious and political dividsions in Ulster. We do not know how important they were.

Boy Scouts

As far as we know, Ulster Scouting was essentially the same as English Scouting. We know of no significant difference. There may have been a kilt option to the uniform. I'm not sure how the religious problem was handeled. Theremay have been a degree of separation as many troops were sponsored by churches. At the time of the founding of both Scouting and the Boys' Brigade, all of Ireland was part of the United Kingdom. After World War, the Irish began to move toward independence. Protestant northern Ireland remained loyal to Britain and are thus often referred to as loyalists. We assume a badge identified Ulster Cubs and Scouts. We wonder if English boys in Ulster also wore that badge. Perhaps it was seen as a unit identifier.

Boys' Brigde

We know nothing about the Boys' Brigade in Ulster. Hopefully an Ulster reader will be able to provide us more information.