Scarva
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Scarva is a small village in County Down, Northern Ireland, on the main road west of Banbridge. In the 2001 Census it had a population of 219 people. It lies within the Banbridge District Council area.
Scarva is famous as the location of the "Sham Fight" Pageant on 13 July every year. The Pageant attracts thousands of members of the Royal Black Preceptory, a group related to the Orange Order, who come to march and stage a symbolic (sham) re-enactment of the Battle of the Boyne in 1690.
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[edit] History
In June 1690, a Williamite army of 30,000 men camped in the Scarva area for training before marching on to meet the forces of King James II at the Battle of the Boyne on 12 July 1690. Whilst training his army, King William is said to have camped under a magnificent Spanish chestnut tree. The tree still flourishes to this day and measures over 25 feet in circumference at the base. Each year, a Sham Fight takes place on the 13th of July on the old training ground used.
[edit] Places of interest
Scarva is beside the Newry Canal Towpath, one of eight long-distance Waymarked Ways in Northern Ireland. The Canal operated for over 200 years and provided employment and generated wealth for the towns and villages along its length. However, the growth of the railway industry had disastrous consequences for the Canal and eventually led to its closure in 1947.
[edit] Education
- Scarva Primary School
[edit] Sport & Recreation
Scarva Rangers are a Northern Irish football club playing in the Mid Ulster League Division 2. The Club was formed in 1972 and play their home matches at Scarva Park. Their current manager is Sam Grattan. Scarva Rangers formed a Reserve team at the start of the 2006/2007 season. They currently play in the Mid Ulster League Reserve Division 3. Their current manager is Gary Chambers.
