Lambeg Drums - A Selection of Painted Shells 12

Oliver Cromwell - Legend!

Throughout the lambeg drumming tradition, many aspects of Ulster, British and Irish history are projected on the front of Lambeg Drums, many prominent figures in the military, political, religious life, Royalty - as well as the ordinary folk.

Here are 4 such drums, paying tribute to - Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector, he is commemorated throughout Ulster in recognition of his intervention during the 17th Century after the reported whole sale slaughter of innocent Protestant Settlers. History has been a little unkind to Oliver Cromwell, he was a powerful man, very able politician and very much a man of his time - like him or loathe him! My favourite quote following his route of Drogheda : -

'I am persuaded that this is a righteous judgment of God upon these barbarous wretches, who have imbued their hands in so much innocent blood and that it will tend to prevent the effusion of blood for the future, which are satisfactory grounds for such actions, which otherwise cannot but work remorse and regret.'

I note that Bertie Ahern took exception to a portrait painting of Oliver Cromwell, that hung in the Office of the then British Foreign Minister - Robin Cook back in the early 1990's, ironically Bertie was in London to discuss the Northern Ireland peace process, Bertie was happy to champion the cause of the IRA/Sinn Fein - the unrepentant terrorists, responsible for the murder of many Protestant Settlers, getting into Government - Duplicity!!