The mural above uses the text of the Ulster Covenant, signed in September, 1912, as a backdrop to a composite of Edward Carson speaking and a row of Ulster Volunteers, formed in January 1913. (See Extramural Activity for the source photos.)
Alain Miossec has an image of the previous printed version, which is almost identical, apart from Stormont as a backdrop rather than the text of the Covenant.
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Copyright © 2014 Peter Moloney
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Here is a gallery of images from Westwinds estate in Newtownards, featuring (East Belfast) UVF murals and memorial gardens.
The newest one shows Carson signing the 1912 Covenant beneath a UVF emblem reading “Armed and ready”.
The one with some damage reads, “Our only crime was to serve you, the community and protect ‘our country’. Now times have changed. As a force, our belief is not only ‘for God and Ulster’ but to you, the community, ‘help us to help you’.”
The central stone in the memorial garden is dedicated to “all our fallen comrades both in the Battle Of The Somme and fight against republicanism”.
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Copyright © 2014 Peter Moloney
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“Sir Edward Carson (later Lord Duncairn) signing the Ulster Covenant in the Belfast City Hall, September 28, 1912. Left to right, 1st row: Mr. R.J. McMordie, Lord Mayor of Belfast, Lord Charles Beresford, Marquess of Londonderry, Sir Edward Carson, Captain James Craig (later Lord Craigavon), Mr. J.H. Campbell, K.C. (later Lord Glenavy), and Dr. W. Gibson. 2nd row: present Lord Londonderry, and Col. R.H. Wallace, C.B., D.L. Behind the latter, Ronald McNeill, M.P. (later Lord Cushendun).”
“NVF” in the left-hand insignia stands for “Newtownards Volunteer Flute [Band]” (Fb). On the right is the insignia of another flute band, the North Down Defenders (Fb).
Outside the Bowtown Youth Club in Abbot Gardens, Newtownards
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Copyright © 2013 Peter Moloney
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While the demolition of the last house in the row is under way, the pair of boards on the gable wall (seen in 2012) has been mounted on some scaffolding, with their order reversed – Covenant Day on the left, Somme trench on the right.
Also included is a “Smash Sinn Fein IRA” stencil in the area.
Barrington Gardens/Donegall Avenue, Belfast
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Copyright © 2013 Peter Moloney
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“100 years of the Ulster Solemn League and Covenant. ‘We will not have home rule.’ The lions of Ulster.”
“West Belfast Athletic & Cultural Society – breaking down barriers through sport and cultural exchange. This mural was dedicated by Alderman Hugh Smyth O.B.E. on Friday the 21st September 2012 to commemorate the centenary of the signing of Ulster’s Solemn League and Covenant.”
The eight plaques (from left to right) are to Major Fredrick H Crawford, Volunteer Robert J Adgey, James Craig, the Ulster Covenant, Sir Edward Henry Carson, Sir George Lloyd Reilly Richardson, Captain Wilfrid Spender, Ulster Volunteer Force.
N. Howard Street, Belfast
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Copyright © 2012 Peter Moloney
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Ulster’s solemn league and covenant is engraved on a stone on the plaza in front of St Mark’s, Market Street, Portadown.
“The above was signed by me at Portadown “Ulster Day” Saturday 28th September 1912″
“Erected by the people of Portadown in diamond jubilee year 2012. God save the queen.”
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Copyright © 2012 Peter Moloney
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2012 is a busy year – Queen Elizabeth’s diamond jubilee, the centenary of the Ulster covenant, and recent (2011-2012) home and away strips for Glentoran and new home and away strips for Ulster rugby in 2012-2013.
Newtownards Road, Belfast
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Copyright © 2012 Peter Moloney
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“Ulster’s covenant of hearts” is the title given to the main board in this collection commemorating the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Covenant in 1912 and the figure of Edward Carson, leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, founder of the Ulster Volunteers, and first signatory of the covenant on September 28th, 1912.
“… to stand by one another in defending for ourselves and our children our cherished position of equal citizenship in the United Kingdom …” (from the text of the Covenant)
“‘It is needful that we knit together as one man, each strengthening the other and not holding back or counting the cost’ – Ulster Council Resolution 1912”
Tavanagh Street, Belfast
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Copyright © 2012 Peter Moloney
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“We will not have Home Rule.” This mural is dedicated to the men and women of Willowfield. In 1912 the 3rd bill was introduced and passed by parliament and although defeated 3 times by the House of Lords it was sent for Royal assent. On 9th April 1912 over 200,000 unionists attended a rally at Balmoral including the Orange Order and Unionist Clubs which had marched from the city center. Here they were addressed by among others, Sir Edward Carson, leader of the Irish Unionist Party. On 28th September 1912 nearly 500,000 men and women signed the Ulster Covenant. Factories and the Shipyard in Belfast were idle and silent, allowing their workers the opportunity to attend church and then to congregate at the City Hall. 3,242 men and women from Willowfield signed the Covenant, some in their own blood. They then formed into the 2nd Willowfield Battalion of the East Belfast Regiment U.V.F. commanded by Dr. William Gibson. They drilled and trained in the Willowfield Unionist Club that was situated about half a mile from this spot. With the onset of WW1 in 1914, these same volunteers stood to the fore to defend the Empire as the 8th Battalion [East Belfast] in the 36th Ulster Division. Many did not return, but their bravery and honour will forever be remembered.
“They went with songs to the battle, they were young/Straight of limb, true of eyes, steady and aglow./ They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted/They fell with their faces to the foe./They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old;/Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn./At the going down of the sun and in the morning,/We will remember them.”
Carlingford Street, Belfast
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Copyright © 2012 Peter Moloney
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Northern Protestants prepare to resist the Home Rule act, c. 1912. Clockwise from top left, gun-running on the Clyde Valley, the Covenant, Carson and the Central Antrim Volunteers (see also M04206), mounted rifles of the Ulster Volunteers (see also M00545).
The plaque reads “They shall not grow old/As those who were left behind grow old//Age shall not weary them/Or the years condemn//As the going down of the sun/And in the morning//We will remember them” (Binyon ‘For The Fallen‘)
Forhill Drive, Ballyduff, Newtownabbey.
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Copyright © 2010 Peter Moloney
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Peter Moloney Collection 