Back

Loyal Irish Yeomanry

In rural areas, members of the Irish landed gentry, such as Richard Mansergh St. George, raised military groups called the Yeomanry to counter the Defenders and United Irishmen. The Irish government paid the Yeomanry for their service. In 1798, about 50,000 members of the Yeomanry fought alongside the British Army. Their ranks included a mix of Church of Ireland members, Catholics, and Presbyterians. The Yeomanry wore uniforms and insignia, such as the belt plate shown here, that showed their loyalty to the British Crown.

Belt Plate
1796
Brass
National Museum of Ireland