The Battle of the Diamond took place between 18th and the 21st September 1795 close to the village of Loughgall Co. Armagh. It was fought between the Defenders (Roman Catholic) and the Peep O’Day Boys (Protestant). On the 18 of September 1795 around 500 Defenders marched past Loughgall and took up positions at Annaghmore and Faughart Hill overlooking the town land known as the Diamond, there they raised a white flag as their standard. Realising they were about to be attacked the Peep O’Day Boys assembled on Diamond Hill opposite on the other side of the valley. Following a number of minor clashes the main skirmish took place on the 21st September and lasted a mere 15 minutes, it centred around the Diamond crossroads, during the battle the Defenders were suddenly caught by two tremendous volleys of shot fired by Blackers Volunteers, dozens fell dead as the shot swept through the Defenders closely packed ranks. Cheers rang out as the Peep O’Day Boys charged down the hill and chased the Defenders out of the Diamond. The Defenders attempted to make a final stand, but another Protestant charge proved effective and the Battle of the Diamond finally concluded at Ruddock's Grange.
It was in the aftermath of the Battle in the house of James Sloan (The Inn at Loughgall) that the main leaders including James Wilson, Daniel Winter and James Sloan established Orange Order
In the actual room where these founding fathers met, there are to be seen old muskets and pikes as well as an old sword found many years later in the thatch. All which are believed to have had been used at the Battle of the Diamond
