Editing Tandragee

{{short description|Village in County Armagh, Northern Ireland}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2021}}
{{Infobox UK place
| official_name = Tandragee
| irish_name = Tóin re Gaoith<ref>[https://www.logainm.ie/en/136074 Tandragee] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729210019/https://www.logainm.ie/en/136074 |date=29 July 2019 }}. [[Placenames Database of Ireland]].</ref>
| scots_name = 
| local_name = 
| static_image_name = The Square,Tandragee - geograph.org.uk - 1406170.jpg
| static_image_caption = The Square, Tandragee (2009)
| map_type = Northern Ireland
| coordinates = {{coord|54.356|-6.415|display=inline,title}}
| label_position = none
| belfast_distance_mi = 25
| population = 3,545
| population_ref = (2021 census)
| irish_grid_reference = J030462
| unitary_northern_ireland = [[Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon District Council|Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon]]
| country = Northern Ireland
| historic_county = 
| post_town = CRAIGAVON
| postcode_area = BT
| postcode_district = BT62
| dial_code = 028
| constituency_westminster = [[Newry and Armagh (UK Parliament constituency)|Newry & Armagh]]
| constituency_ni_assembly = [[Newry and Armagh (Assembly constituency)|Newry & Armagh]]
| lieutenancy_northern_ireland = [[County Armagh]]
| website = 
| hide_services = 
| type = Town
}}

'''Tandragee''' ({{Irish derived place name|Tóin re Gaoith|backside to the wind}})<ref name="PNI">{{Cite web|url=http://www.placenamesni.org/resultdetails.php?entry=18023|title=Place Names NI}}</ref> is a town in [[County Armagh]], Northern Ireland. It is on a hillside above the [[Cusher River]], and is overlooked by [[Tandragee Castle]]. The town is in the [[Civil parishes in Ireland|civil parish]] of [[Ballymore, County Armagh|Ballymore]] and the historic [[Barony (Ireland)|barony]] of [[Orior Lower]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Tandragee|url=http://www.thecore.com/seanruad/|website=IreAtlas Townlands Database|access-date=13 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150628231757/http://www.thecore.com/seanruad/|archive-date=28 June 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Earlier spellings of the name include 'Tanderagee' and 'Tonregee'.<ref name="PNI"/> It had a population of 3,545 people in the [[2021 United Kingdom census|2021 census]].<ref name="2021pop"/>

==History==
Overlooking the town is [[Tandragee Castle]]. It was originally the seat of the [[Chief of the Name|chief]] of the [[Ó hAnluain|O'Hanlon]] [[Irish clan|clan]], who was [[Tigerna|Lord]] of [[Orior]]. Because some of the O'Hanlons took part in the [[Nine Years' War (Ireland)|Nine Years' War]], the castle and surrounding territory were confiscated from the O'Hanlons and granted to [[Oliver St John, 1st Viscount Grandison|Oliver St John]] and his heirs.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Lewis |first=Samuel |url=https://archive.org/details/b22012333_0002/page/592/mode/2up?q=tanderagee |title=A topographical dictionary of Ireland ... With an appendix describing the electoral boundaries of the several boroughs |date=1840 |publisher=London : S. Lewis |others=Wellcome Library}}</ref>

Tandragee Castle was rebuilt in about 1837, after having previously been destroyed during the [[Irish Rebellion of 1641]], for [[George Montagu, 6th Duke of Manchester]]. Its grounds have been home to the [[Tayto (Northern Ireland)|Tayto]] [[crisps|potato-crisp]] factory since 1956, after being bought by businessman Thomas Hutchinson.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Our History |url=https://www.taytogroup.com/our-business/our-history/ |access-date=2024-10-22 |website=Tayto Group Ltd. |language=en-GB}}</ref>

=== Irish Rebellion of 1641 ===
On 23 October 1641, the fortified town of Tandragee was attacked and taken by Irish rebels led by Patrick and Edmond O'Hanlon, as a part of the [[Ó hAnluain|O'Hanlon]] clan's efforts to reclaim their territory.<ref>{{Cite web |title=O'Hanlon History |url=https://freepages.rootsweb.com/~hanlon/genealogy/history/hanlon-history.htm |access-date=2024-11-28 |website=freepages.rootsweb.com}}</ref><ref name=":11" /> The rebels set fire to the church of Ballymore, as well as [[Oliver St John, 1st Viscount Grandison|Captain Oliver St John]]'s castle (Tandragee Castle), resulting in the destruction of the town.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tanderagee - Topographical Dictionary of Ireland (1837) |url=https://libraryireland.com/topog/T/Tanderagee-Lower-Orior-Armagh.php |access-date=2024-11-30 |via=libraryireland.com}}</ref> They also reportedly executed [[Plantation of Ulster|Protestant settlers]] living in Tandragee.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1641 CLRLE {{!}} Deposition of Elizabeth Rolleston |url=https://1641dep.abdn.ac.uk/items/show/41797.html |access-date=2024-11-28 |website=1641dep.abdn.ac.uk}}</ref>

In April 1642, [[Felim O'Neill of Kinard|Felim O'Neill]], leading the rebellion, commanded that his forces gather at Tandragee to prepare to confront the [[Covenanters|Scots Covenanters]] who had landed in Ulster. About 2,000 soldiers responded to O'Neill's call.<ref name=":11">{{Cite book |last=Young |first=Robert Magill |url=https://archive.org/details/historicalnotice00youn/page/202/mode/2up?q=tandragee |title=Historical notices of old Belfast and its vicinity; a selection from the mss. collected by William Pinkerton, F.S.A., for his intended history of Belfast, additional documents, letters, and ballads, O'Mellan's narrative of the wars of 1641, biography of Mary Ann M'Cracken, now first printed .. |last2=Pinkerton |first2=William |last3=O'Mellan |first3=Friar |last4=MacAdam |first4=Robert |last5=M'Cleery |first5=Anna |date=1896 |publisher=Belfast, M. Ward & Co., Limited; [etc., etc.] |others=Boston College Libraries}}</ref>

On 12 May 1643, [[Robert Monro|General Robert Monro]] led an army of 4,000 Covenanters to Tandragee, and burned homes in the surrounding region. Felim O'Neill's forces, comprising both cavalry and infantry, engaged Monro's men. During this skirmish, the lieutenant of Colonel Monro's cavalry, along with two captains and several soldiers, lost their lives. Ultimately, the O'Hanlons lost their hold of Tandragee, with the castle left in a state of disrepair as a result of the conflict.<ref name=":11" />

On 9 September 1679 a group of [[Redmond O'Hanlon (outlaw)|Redmond O'Hanlon]]'s followers murdered Henry St John, grandnephew of Sir Oliver St John, when horse-riding near Knockbridge. He was the owner of Tandragee Castle and its demesne at the time.<ref>{{Cite book |last=E. Estyn Evans |url=https://archive.org/details/bwb_KM-732-291/mode/2up?q=Tanderagee |title=Harvest Home: The Last Sheaf |date=1975 |others=Internet Archive}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Belfast Natural History and Philosophical Society |url=https://archive.org/details/proceedingsrepor21193536b/page/22/mode/2up?q=Tanderagee |title=Proceedings and Report of the Belfast Natural History and Philosophical Society. |date=1937 |others=London Natural History Museum Library}}</ref>

=== Tandragee Volunteers ===
In the late 18th century, Britain was engaged in the [[American Revolutionary War]]. This heightened the risk of invasion by French and Spanish forces, especially in Ireland. In response, groups of [[Irish Volunteers (18th century)|Irish Volunteers]] were formed throughout Ireland. They were equipped and managed independently and mostly consisted of Protestants, mainly from the [[Church of Ireland]]. Several companies were set up in the Tandragee area.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Quincey |title=Tandragee Ulster Volunteers |url=http://bygonedays.net/?p=1130 |access-date=2024-10-14 |website=Bygonedays.net |language=en-GB}}</ref>

The Tandragee Volunteers, organised by Captain Nicholas Johnston in 1779, were fitted with scarlet uniforms faced with white details. Johnston set up another company in Tandragee known as the Tandragee Invincibles. In the churchyard, there is a grave dedicated to one of its volunteers, John Whitten, who died in 1785.<ref name=":3" />

Other companies included the Tandragee Light Dragoons, led by James Craig. Volunteer activities were mostly ceremonial, featuring reviews and shooting competitions. The Tandragee Volunteers played a notable role in a skirmish at [[Lisnagade]] in 1791. A group of Catholic [[Defenders (Ireland)|Defenders]] set up camp at Lisnagade fort, planning to confront a group of Protestant [[Peep o' Day Boys|Peep O' Day Boys]] commemorating King William's triumph at the [[Battle of the Boyne]]. This skirmish inspired the creation of a ballad known as ''Lisnagade'' ("Ye Protestants of Ulster").<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=Ye Protestants of Ulster / Lisnagade |url=https://www.musicanet.org/robokopp/eire/lisnagad.htm |access-date=2024-10-17 |website=www.musicanet.org}}</ref>

The Volunteers' influence waned after the American Revolutionary War as new government-sanctioned groups emerged, such as the [[Yeomanry]]. Following the [[Battle of the Diamond]], the Yeomanry became associated with the [[Orange Order]]. Established in 1796, the Tandragee Yeomanry, along with the County Armagh Yeomanry, played a key role in suppressing the [[Irish Rebellion of 1798|1798 United Irishmen Rebellion]]. ''The Newry Telegraph'' estimated that 40,000 met at a demonstration in Tandragee.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Bardon |first=Jonathan |url=https://archive.org/details/historyofulster00jona/mode/2up?q=%22met+at+Tandragee%22 |title=A history of Ulster |date=2005 |publisher=Blackstaff Press |others=Internet Archive |isbn=978-0-85640-764-2}}</ref> With the Irish Volunteers disbanded and the [[Society of United Irishmen|United Irishmen]] defeated, the [[Acts of Union 1800]] dissolved the all-Ireland Parliament.<ref name=":3" />

==== Home Rule crisis ====
[[File:The Tandragee Volunteers.jpg|thumb|The Tandragee Volunteers at Tandragee Castle]]
From the introduction of the [[Government of Ireland Bill 1886|First Home Rule Bill]] in 1886, the Protestant community in Tandragee strongly opposed the idea and played a role in the establishment of a proposed 'Orange Army'.  An effigy of [[William Ewart Gladstone|Prime Minister William Gladstone]] was set alight in the town following an anti-Home Rule demonstration.<ref name="Cousins">{{Cite book |last=Cousins |first=Colin |url=https://archive.org/details/armaghgreatwar0000cous/mode/2up |title=Armagh and the Great War |date=2011 |publisher=Dublin : History Press Ireland |via=Internet Archive |isbn=978-1-84588-711-7}}</ref>

Tandragee also had a strong representation in the [[Ulster Defence Union]]. In the central assembly of 600 members appointed on 21 October 1886, the southern region, including Armagh, Cavan, and Monaghan, was represented by eight local representatives: Rev. P.A. Kelly, Rev. W. McEndoo, Rev. R.J. Whan, Maynard Sinton, Thomas White, William O’Brien, John Atkinson, and Rev. George Laverty.<ref name=":3" />

In 1910, branches of the [[Unionist Club]] were founded in Tandragee, [[Clare, County Armagh|Clare]], [[Scarva]], [[Poyntzpass]], and Ballyshiel. In September, under the supervision of [[William Montagu, 9th Duke of Manchester]], members of the Tandragee Club engaged in drills prior to the [[Ulster Covenant]].<ref name=":3" />

During the [[Government of Ireland Act 1914|Third Home Rule Crisis]], the [[Ulster Unionist Party]] leadership chose to unite the various [[Ulster loyalism|unionist paramilitary groups]]. By December 1912, the County Armagh Committee included several figures from the business sector, the legal field, and the local [[aristocracy]]. The representatives from Tandragee were Rev. R.J. Whan and George Davison. These people played a role in the eventual formation of a local battalion of the [[Ulster Volunteers]].<ref name=":3" />

Tandragee was identified by the [[Royal Irish Constabulary]] in 1912 as one of ten locations where unionist paramilitary drills were occurring. The population of the Tandragee area became a majority of the Third Battalion of the County Armagh Regiment of the [[Ulster Volunteers|Ulster Volunteer Force]] - also known as the Tandragee Volunteers.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=McKenna |first=Micheal |date=2019-07-08 |title=Tandragee history re-discovered |url=https://armaghi.com/news/tandragee-news/tandragee-history-re-discovered/90285 |access-date=2024-10-13 |website=Armagh I |language=en}}</ref> Tandragee Castle was the headquarters of the Tandragee Volunteers, with records indicating that the 9th Duke of Manchester occasionally inspected the troops and permitted the use of his estate.<ref name=":3" />

A mural commemorating the Third Battalion of the County Armagh Regiment UVF is located at the junction of Montague Street and Ballymore Road in Tandragee.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Wall mural commemorating 9th Battalion, Royal Irish Fusiliers |url=https://www.warmemorialsonline.org.uk/memorial/265245/ |access-date=2024-10-13 |website=www.warmemorialsonline.org.uk |language=en}}</ref>

=== World War I ===
On 4 August 1914, the UK entered WWI, prompting thousands of Ulster Volunteers to [[British Army during the First World War|join the British Army]]. A public initiative formed to integrate the Ulster Volunteer Force into [[Kitchener's Army|Kitchener's new Army]], with hundreds enlisting from the Tandragee District. A number joined the Armagh Volunteer Battalion of the [[Royal Irish Fusiliers|9th Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers]]. Between 60 and 70 volunteers, led by the '[[Catch-my-Pal]]' flute band, paraded through Tandragee before departing from [[Tanderagee railway station|Madden Bridge Railway Station]].<ref name="Cousins"/>

Peace Day celebrations took place in Tandragee on 19 July 1919, featuring a costume parade and a sports day in the Duke of Manchester's demesne. In the evening, a parade led by an effigy of the [[Kaiser wilhelm ii|Kaiser]] made its way to the square, where the effigy was set ablaze.<ref name="Cousins"/>

The Tandragee war memorial was unveiled in April 1925, the first in County Armagh. A large crowd gathered for the unveiling ceremony. After the hymn 'O God Our Help in Ages Past' was performed, Major Shellington MP, a former officer of the 9th Royal Irish Fusiliers, unveiled the memorial. The obelisk, crafted from Newry granite, is nearly {{convert|25|ft}} tall and is situated in the square near the castle gates.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |title=Tandragee |url=https://www.warmemorialsonline.org.uk/memorial/159684/ |access-date=2024-10-18 |website=www.warmemorialsonline.org.uk |language=en}}</ref><ref name="Cousins"/>

=== World War II ===
[[File:US Army in Tandragee (1943).jpg|thumb|US 6th Cavalry in Tandragee on Armistice Day (1943)]]
On 25 May 1942, a [[Supermarine Spitfire|Supermarine Spitfire BL325]] crashed near Cordraine Orange Hall in Tandragee. The aircraft was involved in a coordinated training exercise alongside ground forces. During a low-altitude flight, the pilot clipped a tree, resulting in the plane landing upside down in a field.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Spitfire BL325 crash near Tandragee, Co. Armagh |url=https://archives.wartimeni.com/article/spitfire-bl325-crash-near-tandragee-co-armagh/ |access-date=2024-10-18 |website=WartimeNI |language=en-GB}}</ref>

Just over a year later, life in the town would experience a significant transformation with the arrival of American GIs from the [[6th Cavalry Regiment|6th Cavalry]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=List of WW2 U.S. Army units in Northern Ireland ( listed by location ) part 1of4 |url=https://www.belfastforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=60278.0 |access-date=2024-10-18 |website=www.belfastforum.co.uk}}</ref> In 1943, [[Alexander Montagu, 10th Duke of Manchester|Alexander Montagu, the 10th Duke of Manchester]], leased Tandragee Castle to the [[United States Army]] for use during World War II.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=Tandragee Castle, Tandragee, Co. Armagh |url=https://archives.wartimeni.com/location/co-armagh/tandragee/tandragee-castle/ |access-date=2024-10-18 |website=WartimeNI |language=en-GB}}</ref>

Tandragee's links to the primary [[Belfast–Dublin line|Belfast-Dublin railway]], along with its proximity to the River Cusher and [[Newry Canal]], positioned it as a strategic staging area for the United States Army in 1943.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |title=Tandragee, Co. Armagh during the Second World War |url=https://archives.wartimeni.com/location/co-armagh/tandragee/ |access-date=2024-10-18 |website=WartimeNI |language=en-GB}}</ref> [[Tanderagee railway station|Tandragee railway station]] experienced the arrival of thousands of soldiers during World War II.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Madden Bridge Railway Station, Tandragee, Co. Armagh |url=https://archives.wartimeni.com/location/co-armagh/tandragee/madden-bridge-railway-station/ |access-date=2024-10-18 |website=WartimeNI |language=en-GB}}</ref>

The 6th Cavalry unit conducted its final parade in Tandragee on 31 December 1943. Following this, the regiment transitioned to become the 6th Mechanized Cavalry Group, which comprised the 6th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron and the 28th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron.<ref name=":6" /> Reports suggest that [[George S. Patton|General George S. Patton]] was a visitor to Tandragee Castle in 1943. While inspecting troops in Northern Ireland, he was guest of honour at a dance in the castle.<ref name=":5" />

The Tandragee war memorial commemorates the soldiers who served in both World War I and World War II.<ref name=":12" />[[File:War memorial, Tandragee - geograph.org.uk - 3032890.jpg|thumb|Tandragee war memorial (2012)]]

=== The Troubles ===
In February 1973, a confrontation occurred between three gunmen and British soldiers at the Tandragee power station, resulting in one of the gunmen being hit.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/InternationalHeraldTribune1973FranceEnglish/Feb%2009%201973,%20International%20Herald%20Tribune,%20#28016,%20France%20(en)/page/n1/mode/2up?q=Tandragee |title=International Herald Tribune , 1973, France, English |language=English}}</ref>

In 2000, Tandragee was scene of the [[Murders of Andrew Robb and David McIlwaine]], two teenaged local Protestants who were unaffiliated with any paramilitary organization, by three members of the [[UVF Mid-Ulster Brigade]] and as part of an ongoing [[Loyalist feud]] between the [[Ulster Volunteer Force|UVF]] and [[Loyalist Volunteer Force|LVF]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=BBC News {{!}} NORTHERN IRELAND {{!}} Murder victims 'had no terror links' |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/649253.stm |access-date=2024-10-18 |website=news.bbc.co.uk}}</ref>

== Orange Order district ==
[[File:Tandragee Orange Hall.jpg|thumb|Tandragee District Hall (2009)]]
Tandragee District No.4 is one of 11 [[Orange Order|Orange Districts]] within [[County Armagh]], comprising 21 private lodges and nearly 650 members. Every year on [[The Twelfth]] (12 July), the lodges within the district participate in the "Ring Ceremony" at the square, which includes a brief religious service. Tandragee is the only district to hold such an event.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-07-01 |title=Co Armagh Grand Orange Lodge detail 11 districts’ Twelfth ‘near home’ plans |url=https://armaghi.com/news/armagh-news/co-armagh-grand-orange-lodge-detail-11-districts-twelfth-near-home-plans/138088 |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=Armagh I |language=en}}</ref>

Tandragee District No.4 hosts The Twelfth every 11 years, as part of a rotation in which each district lodge in County Armagh takes its turn to organise the event.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-07-09 |title=Tandragee Twelfth: All you need to know ahead of world’s largest gathering of Orangemen |url=https://armaghi.com/news/tandragee-news/tandragee-twelfth-all-you-need-to-know-ahead-of-worlds-largest-gathering-of-orangemen/90335 |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=Armagh I |language=en}}</ref>

The district has its origins in 1796, the year following the establishment of the [[Orange Order]]. The inaugural [[Orange Order|Orange parades]] in Tandragee occurred on 12 July 1796, coinciding with the first Twelfth demonstration held at Lurgan Park. At that time, the district comprised 14 lodges.<ref name=":2" /> By 1834, the district was home to 27 lodges with a total of 810 members. In 1900, this number had decreased to 25 lodges with 750 members, while as of the early 21st century, there are 21 lodges with over 700 members.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/people/gearing-up-for-a-glorious-twelfth-in-tandragee-688569|title=Gearing up for a ‘Glorious Twelfth’ in Tandragee|date=12 June 2019|website=Belfast News Letter}}</ref>

On 12 July 1831, 10,000 Orangemen from across Ulster gathered in Tandragee to celebrate the Twelfth. They marched around Lord Mandeville's Castle (Tandragee Castle), which featured castle gates decorated with Orange arches and showcased between 80 and 90 Orange banners.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Great Britain. Parliament. House of Commons. Select Committee on Orange Lodges |first=Associations or Societies in Ireland |url=https://archive.org/details/op1245185-1001/page/n37/mode/2up?q=Tanderagee |title=Select Committee on Orange Lodges, Associations or Societies in Ireland : second report; third report, minutes of evidence and appendices |date=1835 |publisher=HMSO |others=University of Southampton}}</ref>

Tandragee District Hall was constructed in 1912 and initially established as a [[Temperance movement|Protestant Temperance Hall]]. The building later functioned as a [[Movie theater|picture house]] during the 1940s and for later for dances, until it eventually transitioned to function as Tandragee District Hall.<ref>{{Citation |last=Clark |first=Henry |title=English:  Temperance Hall Tandragee As well as home to orange order L.O.L No4. It was as a picture house and later for dances |date=2009-06-20 |url=https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tandragee_Orange_Hall.jpg |access-date=2024-10-12}}{{better source|reason=Commons and Geograph submissions/captions are user-generated content. [[WP:UGC]]|date=October 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/kinematographyea25unse/page/726/mode/2up?q=%22Tandragee+(Co.+Armagh)%22 |title=Kinematograph year book (1938) |date=1938 |publisher=London : Kinematograph Publications Ltd. |others=MBRS Library of Congress}}</ref> The hall also holds other events throughout the year.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hammond |first=Hazel |title=County Armagh Grand Orange Lodge holds 2023 Mission |url=https://www.ulstergazette.co.uk/news/2023/05/13/gallery/county-armagh-grand-orange-lodge-holds-2023-mission-43426/ |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=www.ulstergazette.co.uk |language=en}}</ref>

On [[New Year's Day]] 2008, the hall was the target of an arson attack, during which the door was forcibly opened, the interior was ignited and the hall sustained significant smoke damage.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Orangemen defiant after latest arsons |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/orangemen-defiant-after-latest-arsons-1.816744 |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=The Irish Times |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Inside the tandragee orange hall hi-res stock photography and images |url=https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo/inside-the-tandragee-orange-hall.html?sortBy=relevant |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=Alamy |language=en}}</ref>

== Music ==

=== The Hills of Tandragee ===
A song written about the town, ''The Hills of Tandragee,'' originates from as early as 1970. It shares similarities with ''The Hills of Glensuili'', differing mainly in place names and a few words that alter the political perspective. In the lyrics, the singer expresses to those witnessing his departure from Tandragee his desire for the [[Orange Order|Orange flag]] to soon be raised over its hills. He reflects on the birds and landscapes of Tandragee, hoping for peace and that "the time soon come around when I return".<ref>{{Cite web |title=O listen a while my countrymen / The Hills of Tandragee |url=https://www.musicanet.org/robokopp/eire/hilltand.htm |access-date=2024-10-30 |website=www.musicanet.org}}</ref>

[[Folk musician]], from the nearby [[Portadown]], [[Robin Morton (musician)|Robin Morton]] speaking about the song, "Here's a fairly modern Orange song, and a great favorite among 'the brethren' because they can all join in on the last line of each verse. Dick Bamber, who gave it to me, is generally credited as the writer, but he tells me this is not correct. An old lady who lived beside him in Ballylisk, near Tandragee, 'wrote it years ago.' Just how long ago she wrote it he doesn't remember, but he says she gave it to him and he was the first to sing it in public. Now it's an Orange standard."<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Hills of Tandragee (I) - Folklorist |url=https://folklorist.org/song/The_Hills_of_Tandragee_(I) |access-date=2024-10-30 |website=folklorist.org}}</ref>

=== Lambeg drumming ===
Lambeg drumming is an important element of the County Armagh Orange Districts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newsletter.co.uk/heritage-and-retro/retro/lambeg-drum-is-most-traditional-orange-instrument-but-its-origins-remain-uncertain-2911314|title=Lambeg drum is most traditional Orange instrument, but its origins remain uncertain|date=13 July 2020|website=Belfast News Letter}}</ref> A particular drumming rhythm linked to this tradition, named after Tandragee, is known as ''Tandragee Time'' and is commonly featured throughout County Armagh.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rhythms of Ulster {{!}} Discover Ulster-Scots |url=https://discoverulsterscots.com/music-dance/lambeg-drum/rhythms-ulster |access-date=2024-11-07 |website=discoverulsterscots.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://sluggerotoole.com/2017/07/11/in-praise-of-ulsters-heartbeat-the-lambeg-drum/|title=In praise of Ulster’s heartbeat – the Lambeg drum|date=1 December 2024|website=Slugger O'Toole}}</ref>

== Churches ==
There are six churches in Tandragee: [[Ballymore Parish Church]], St James's Catholic Church, Tandragee Presbyterian, Tandagee Free Presbyterian, Tandragee Baptist and Tandragee Methodist.{{fact|date=October 2024}}

=== Ballymore Parish Church ===
[[File:St Mark's, Ballymore parish church, Tandragee (1) - geograph.org.uk - 3703396.jpg|thumb|Ballymore Parish Church (2013)]]
[[Ballymore Parish Church]] dates to 1343 and is located beside Tandragee Castle on Church Street.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Geograph:: Ballymore Parish Church of St. Mark,... © P Flannagan |url=https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/614161 |access-date=2024-10-20 |website=www.geograph.ie}}{{better source|reason=Geograph is user generated content. Including the captions. Like Wikipedia or Wikimedia. A non-[[WP:UGC]] source would be better here.|date=October 2024}}</ref>

The church has a history spanning over 650 years, connected to the Dukes of Manchester until the mid-1950s. The church was mentioned in 14th-century records but it was burnt down by Edmond O'Hanlon in the Irish Rebellion of 1641.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1641 CLRLE {{!}} Deposition of Elizabeth Rolleston |url=https://1641dep.abdn.ac.uk/items/show/41797.html |access-date=2024-10-18 |website=1641dep.abdn.ac.uk}}</ref> It was reconstructed in 1812 as it had become inadequate for the congregation's needs. During construction, remnants of the old walls were found, showing signs of fire damage from the Irish Rebellion of 1641.<ref>{{Cite web |title=History |url=http://www.ballymore.armagh.anglican.org/history.htm |access-date=2024-10-18 |website=www.ballymore.armagh.anglican.org}}</ref>

===St James's Catholic Church===
[[File:Church of St. James (RC), Market Street, Tandragee - geograph.org.uk - 614040.jpg|thumb|upright|St James's Catholic Church (2007)]]
The Roman Catholic Church of Saint James the Apostle was built in 1852 and stands on Market Street.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Kilpatrick |first1=K. |title=Tandragee: some historical notes |journal=Journal of the Poyntzpass and District Local History Society |date=1987 |url=https://www.poyntzpass.co.uk/uploads/Tandragee_Some_Historical_Notes.pdf}}</ref> It is in the [[Catholic parish]] of Tandragee (Ballymore & Mullaghbrack) and the [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Armagh|Archdiocese of Armagh]].<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.armagharchdiocese.org/parishes/parish-details/?parishID=63 | website = armagharchdiocese.org | title = Parish Details - Tandragee (Ballymore & Mullaghbrack) | accessdate = 13 December 2024 }}</ref>

=== Tandragee Presbyterian ===
[[File:The Presbyterian Church, Markethill Road, Tandragee - geograph.org.uk - 613999.jpg|thumb|Tandragee Presbyterian Church (2007)]]
Tandragee Presbyterian Church was established, by Rev. Dr. Henry Cooke, in March 1829.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2004-04-16 |title=Church news: Trio notch up 180 years |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/church-news-trio-notch-up-180-years/28042826.html |access-date=2024-11-06 |work=BelfastTelegraph.co.uk |language=en-GB |issn=0307-1235}}</ref> The church building, which is located on the Markethill Road,<ref name=":10">{{Cite web|url=https://www.northernirelandworld.com/news/presbyterian-ministerinstalled-at-tandragee-852664|title=Presbyterian ministerinstalled at Tandragee|date=2 April 2017|website=NorthernIrelandWorld}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |title=Genuki: Markethill Road, Tandragee, Presbyterian, Armagh |url=https://www.genuki.org.uk/big/IRL/ARM/Tandragee/TandrageePresbyterian |access-date=2024-10-20 |website=www.genuki.org.uk |language=en}}</ref> was built in 1828 and renovated in 1977.<ref name=":10" /> The church hall serves as the venue for the 1st Tandragee Boys' Brigade and Girls' Brigade.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.niassembly.gov.uk/globalassets/documents/raise/deposited-papers/2024/dp1761.pdf|title=DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Tandragee Presbyterian |url=https://gbni.co.uk/about-us/find-a-gbni-company/122/tandragee-presbyterian |access-date=2024-10-20 |website=Girls' Brigade Northern Ireland |language=en}}</ref>

=== Tandragee Free Presbyterian ===
[[File:Tandragee Free Presbyterian Church - geograph.org.uk - 1343760.jpg|thumb|Tandragee Free Presbyterian Church (2009)]]
Tandragee Free Presbyterian Church was formed in 1967 and is located off the Portadown Road in the Willowfield housing estate.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last= |title=Genuki: Willowfield, Tandragee, Free Presbyterian, Armagh |url=https://www.genuki.org.uk/big/irl/ARM/Tandragee/FreePresbyterian |access-date=2024-10-20 |website=www.genuki.org.uk |language=en}}</ref>

In February 1967, [[Rev. Ian Paisley]] was invited to lead a gospel campaign at the Protestant Temperance Hall. Each evening, the hall was filled to capacity and, on the final two Sunday meetings, Cargans Memorial Orange Hall was used as an overflow venue, allowing additional participants to view the services via closed circuit television.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster – Church History |url=https://www.freepresbyterian.org/church-history/ |access-date=2024-10-20 |language=en-US}}</ref> The enthusiasm for this style of preaching was so significant that, as the mission drew to a close, several members of the congregation approached Rev. Paisley with a request to establish a separate Protestant witness, specifically a [[Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster|Free Presbyterian Church]], in Tandragee. On Easter Sunday, 26 March 1967, Paisley delivered a sermon at the Temperance Hall, leading to the formation of the Tandragee Free Presbyterian Church.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |title=History |url=https://www.tandrageefpc.org/About/History/history.html |access-date=2024-10-20 |website=www.tandrageefpc.org}}</ref>

On 18 October 2008, a new church complex spanning {{cvt|16000|sqft}} was opened to serve the growing congregation, located off the Portadown Road in the Willowfield housing estate.<ref name=":7" /> This facility features a sanctuary with seating for 450, a church hall that can accommodate 350 people, a prayer room for 130, and a youth fellowship area designed for 70 participants. The complex also has a minister's office, a space for parents with infants during services, committee room, garage, storage areas, recording studio and two kitchens.<ref name=":8" />

=== Tandragee Baptist ===
Tandragee Baptist Church was formed on 29 February 1864 and is located on the Madden Road.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |title=Genuki: Madden Road, Tanderagee, Baptist, Armagh |url=https://www.genuki.org.uk/big/IRL/ARM/Tandragee/TanderageeMaddenRoad |access-date=2024-10-20 |website=www.genuki.org.uk |language=en}}</ref>

Approximately 2 years following the establishment of the church, the members resolved to construct a meeting house, contingent upon securing a suitable location. During a church meeting held on 11 October 1866, with thirteen members in attendance, it was decided to accept a site from [[William Montagu, 7th Duke of Manchester]] and to "solicit subscriptions towards the building of the chapel by means of letter and personal solicitation". The Duke of Manchester granted a lease for a parcel of land measuring 1 [[Rood (unit)|Rood]] and 27 [[Rod (unit)|perches]], which housed an existing structure. The lease term was set for 91 years at an annual rate of 30 shillings (£1.50). It was agreed that the chapel would measure {{cvt|60|by|30|feet}}, constructed with stone sourced from the nearby Tullyhue quarry. Initially, the funds raised were sufficient only to construct the walls, leading to a temporary halt in progress. However, work resumed shortly after a donation from Mr. E D Atkinson allowing for the completion of the roof. By the close of 1867, the church was opened without any outstanding debts, although certain tasks were still pending completion as late as 1871.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |title=History {{!}} Tandragee Baptist Church |url=https://www.tandrageebaptist.org/who-we-are/history/ |access-date=2024-10-20 |language=en-US}}</ref>

The final service at the old church building took place on the afternoon of Sunday, 22 April 2001. Shortly after, in early May 2001, the structure was demolished.<ref name=":9" /> The building had been deemed structurally unsound. It lacked proper foundations, the roof beams were severely affected by dry rot, and several beams were precariously positioned on the wall above the windows without adequate support. A new church building was opened in 2002.<ref name=":9" />

The church encountered criticism and faced a prosecution file in November 2020 for conducting services that violated [[COVID-19 restrictions]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newsletter.co.uk/health/coronavirus/baptist-pastor-explains-why-he-opened-his-church-for-worship-despite-coronavirus-restrictions-3059372|title=Baptist Pastor explains why he opened his church for worship despite coronavirus restrictions|date=7 December 2020|website=Belfast News Letter}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2020-12-08 |title=Coronavirus: Prosecution file prepared over Tandragee church |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-55229214 |access-date=2024-10-20 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref>

=== Tandragee Methodist ===
[[File:Tandragee Methodist Church - geograph.org.uk - 3032147.jpg|thumb|Tandragee Methodist Church (2012)]]
Tandragee Methodist Church was built in 1835 and is located on Market Street.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tandragee Methodist Church (1826) |url=https://website.ukwells.org/wells/tandragee-methodist-church |access-date=2024-10-20 |website=website.ukwells.org}}</ref>

== Education ==
Schools in the area include:
*Tandragee Primary School<ref>{{Cite web |title=Home {{!}} Tandragee Primary School |url=https://www.tandrageeps.co.uk/ |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=www.tandrageeps.co.uk}}</ref>
*Tandragee Junior High School<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tandragee Junior High School TJHS, Co. Armagh, NI. |url=https://www.tjhs.co.uk/ |access-date=2024-10-12 |language=en-GB}}</ref>
*Tandragee Nursery<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.eani.org.uk/parents/types-of-school/school-type/pre-school/tandragee-nursery-school|title=Tandragee Nursery School|first=Education|last=Authority|date=12 December 2019|website=Education Authority Northern Ireland}}</ref>
*Button Moon Play Group<ref>{{Cite web |title=Button Moon Pre-School (Tandragee) - Directory Listing |url=https://www.familysupportni.gov.uk/Service/2929/preschool-playgroup/button-moon-preschool-tandragee |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=www.familysupportni.gov.uk}}</ref>

== Sport ==
===Motorcycling===
The [[Tandragee 100]] is a [[motorcycle race]] that has been held in the area since 1958.<ref name="tandragee100.co.uk">{{cite web | url=https://tandragee100.co.uk/about/ | title=ABOUT - Tandragee | date=20 October 2021 }}</ref> This event, a {{convert|100|mi}} handicap race, has involved a number of notable motorcycle road racers, including: [[Guy Martin]], [[Joey Dunlop]], [[Ryan Farquhar]] and [[Michael Dunlop]].<ref name="tandragee100.co.uk"/> The race did not take place during 2020 or 2021 due to [[COVID-19 pandemic|COVID-19]], was cancelled in 2023 due to insurance costs and again in 2024 due to lack of course resurfacing.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-12-18 |title=Tandragee 100: Irish national road race cancelled for 2024 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/northern-ireland/67756243 |access-date=2024-08-30 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}}</ref>

=== Golf ===
[[File:Entrance to Tandragee Golf Club - geograph.org.uk - 614016.jpg|thumb|Entrance to Tandragee Golf Club]]
Tandragee Golf Club is located within the demesne of [[Tandragee Castle]]. It is a 5,589 metre, par 71 hilly parkland course. It was originally laid out as a private course for the 9th Duke of Manchester on his estate in 1911. In 1922, the golf club became affiliated to the [[Golfing Union of Ireland]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Home - Tandragee Golf Club |url=https://www.tandragee.co.uk/ |access-date=2025-01-11 |website=www.tandragee.co.uk}}</ref>

===Other sports=== 
[[Tandragee Rovers F.C.|Tandragee Rovers]] play in the [[Mid-Ulster Football League]]. The [[Tayto (Northern Ireland)|Tayto]] Tandragee [[Gravity racer|Soapbox Derby]] was established in 2015 and has since raised funds for the [[Royal British Legion]] in Tandragee, attracting over 7,500 visitors in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-06-24 |title=Tayto Tandragee Soapbox Derby back on the road |url=https://www.ulstergazette.co.uk/news/2022/06/24/gallery/tayto-tandragee-soapbox-derby-back-on-the-road-26441/ |access-date=2024-10-31 |website=www.ulstergazette.co.uk |language=en}}</ref>

==Industry and transport==
[[File:Tandragee early morning - geograph.org.uk - 1153104.jpg|thumb|right|Tandragee Castle and gate lodge]]
[[Thomas Sinton]] opened a mill in town in the 1880s, an expansion of his firm from its original premises at nearby [[Laurelvale]] – a [[model village]] which he built. [[Sintons' Mill]], on the banks of the [[Cusher River]], remained in production until the 1990s.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/imported/article1084968.ece|title=Tandragee to get mill back in action, The Belfast Telegraph}}</ref> The mill caught fire in October 2024 with 6 appliances from the [[Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service|NI Fire and Rescue Service]] in attendance.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McKenna |first=Micheal |date=2024-10-29 |title=Firefighters tackling huge blaze at Sintons Mill in Tandragee |url=https://armaghi.com/news/tandragee-news/firefighters-tackling-huge-blaze-at-sintons-mill-in-tandragee/254605?fbclid=IwY2xjawGOPPpleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHfwzTQwiPAqFiX0jfttBPJQucc8Q3JxHsYLn1HrTIoiFHKW2teJw_ti9Zg_aem_mM50a4JXhrKH3bs8UnZXYA |access-date=2024-10-29 |website=Armagh I |language=en}}</ref>

[[White's Mill (Tandragee)|White's Mill]] was established by Thomas Henry White in 1841 as a corn and flour mill along the banks of the [[Cusher River]]. It is now Northern Ireland's largest oat miller and breakfast cereal producer.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-10-30 |title=Our Story |url=https://www.whitesoats.co.uk/our-story |access-date=2024-10-31 |website=White's Oats |language=en}}</ref> In 2023, [[Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council]] approved plans for White's Oat's to move to new premises in [[Craigavon]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-02-14 |title=The end of an era as White’s Oats set to depart Tandragee mill after 182 years |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/business/northern-ireland/the-end-of-an-era-as-whites-oats-set-to-depart-tandragee-mill-after-182-years/1057474252.html |access-date=2024-11-21 |language=en-GB |issn=0307-1235}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.northernirelandworld.com/news/politics/council/whites-plans-to-relocate-oats-business-from-tandragee-to-craigavon-will-bring-new-jobs-4012673|title=White's plans to relocate oats business from Tandragee to Craigavon 'will bring new jobs'|date=3 February 2023|website=NorthernIrelandWorld}}</ref>

The potato-crisp company [[Tayto (Northern Ireland)|Tayto]] has a factory and offices beside Tandragee Castle which offers guided tours. In November 2019, Prime Minister [[Boris Johnson]] toured UK businesses, which included a visit to the Tayto factory.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2019-11-07 |title=Boris Johnson declares unionist views on trip to Northern Ireland |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-50338539 |access-date=2024-11-12 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref>

[[File:Tandragee, St. Marks.jpg|thumb|right|St Mark's Church overlooking part of Tandragee]]
Taranto Ltd. manufactures concrete products at a {{cvt|70|acre}} production site situated on Scarva Road.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Taranto, Tandragee, Concrete & Cement |url=https://www.irishtrade.ie/c-6024-Taranto |access-date=2024-10-31 |website=www.irishtrade.ie}}</ref>

Tandragee Wastewater Treatment Works, owned by [[Northern Ireland Water|NI Water]], is located on the Scarva Road.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Northern Ireland Water on LinkedIn: We recently completed a £2.7 million upgrade at Tandragee Wastewater… |url=https://www.linkedin.com/posts/northern-ireland-water_we-recently-completed-a-27-million-upgrade-activity-6625764712577552384-9lcG |access-date=2024-11-22 |website=www.linkedin.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Tandragee Wastewater Treatment Works Pollution Incident |url=https://www.niwater.com/news-detail/?News_ID=10855&FriendlyID= |access-date=2024-11-22 |website=www.niwater.com |language=en}}</ref>

[[Northern Ireland Electricity]] has an interconnector to [[County Louth]] in the [[Republic of Ireland]] from the Portadown Road in the outskirts of the town.<ref>Eirgrid-SONI Transmission System Map, October 2007</ref>

[[Tanderagee railway station]] opened on 6 January 1852 and was shut on 4 January 1965.<ref>{{cite web | title=Tandragee station | work=Railscot – Irish Railways | url=http://www.railscot.co.uk/Ireland/Irish_railways.pdf | access-date=24 November 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110302022802/http://www.railbrit.co.uk/Ireland/Irish_railways.pdf | archive-date=2 March 2011 | url-status=live }}</ref>

== Demography ==
===2021 census===
Tandragee had a population of 3,545 people in the 2021 census.<ref name="2021pop">{{cite web |title=2015 Settlement|url=https://build.nisra.gov.uk/en/custom/data?d=PEOPLE&v=SETTLEMENT15&%7ESETTLEMENT15=N11000093 |website=NISRA |access-date=18 August 2023}}</ref> Of these:
* 76.92% were from a [[Protestant]] background and 10.75% were from a Roman [[Catholic]] background<ref>{{cite web |title=Religion or religion brought up in |url=https://build.nisra.gov.uk/en/custom/data?d=PEOPLE&v=SETTLEMENT15&v=RELIGION_BELONG_TO_OR_BROUGHT_UP_IN_DVO&%7ESETTLEMENT15=N11000093 |website=NISRA |access-date=18 August 2023}}</ref>

===2011 census===
Tandragee had a population of 3,486 people (1,382 households) in 2011. Of these:<ref name=Census2011>{{cite web | url = https://www.ninis2.nisra.gov.uk/public/AreaProfileReportViewer.aspx?FromAPAddressMulipleRecords=Tandragee@Exact%20match%20of%20location%20name:%20@Exact%20Match%20Of%20Location%20Name:%20%20Tandragee@23? | title = Census 2011 Population Statistics for Tandragee Settlement | publisher = [[Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency]] (NISRA) | access-date = 7 June 2021}}[[File:UKOpenGovernmentLicence.svg|30px]] This article contains quotations from this source, which is available under the [http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/  Open Government Licence v3.0].  Crown copyright.</ref>
* 23.26% were under 16 years old and 12.62% were aged 65 and above.
* 50.06% of the population were male and 49.94% were female.
* 81.84% were from a [[Protestant]] background and 11.70% were from a Roman [[Catholic]] background

===2001 census===
For the 2001 census, Tandragee was classified as an intermediate settlement by the NI Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) (i.e. with population between 2,050 and 4,500 people). On census day (29 April 2001), there were 3,050 people living in Tandragee. Of these:
*24.9% were aged under 16 years and 14.3% were aged 60 and over
*48.0% of the population were male and 50.0% were female
*86.9% were from a [[Protestant]] background and 10.5% were from a Roman [[Catholic]] background
*2.0% of people aged 16–74 were unemployed.<ref>[http://www.ninis.nisra.gov.uk/ NI Neighbourhood Information Service]</ref>

==See also==
* [[Tandragee Idol]], an Iron Age stone figure

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category|Tandragee}}

{{County Armagh}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Villages in County Armagh]]
[[Category:Civil parish of Ballymore, County Armagh]]