“Twelfth of July”
| Author | J. G. Morrison |
| Published date | 01 December 1966 |
| Date | 01 December 1966 |
| DOI | http://doi.org/10.1177/0032258X6603901211 |
| Subject Matter | Article |
J.
G.
MORRISON
Assistant Chief Constable of Birmingham
Mr. Morrison served in the Liverpool City
Police, latterly as Chief Superintendent of
the Central Division, prior to his appointment
in Birmingham. He is at present Deputy
Commandant of the Police College, Bramshill
"TWELFTH
OF
JULY"
The 12th July. or the "Glorious
Twelfth"
as it is familiarly
known to members of the Loyal Orange Institution. is a well known
occasion to Liverpool people; to members of the Liverpool city
police it is an occasion when extra duty is the order. and tact and
diplomacy the watchwords. Fortunately there is now a happy
release from the sectarian bitterness which so seriously threatened
public order in Liverpool in the early part of the century. but it
still remains a major responsibility of the police to see that good
order is maintained on this day when the marching of some
10.000 people. with bands playing and banners flying. tempts feel-
ings to mount higher than usual.
Strangers to the city are amazed at the vastness of the procession
and also at the regalia and dress of the followers. Young and old
step out proudly. following the
"King"
and
"Queen"
of their
respective lodges. The music of some 30 bands ranges from the
dulcet tones of drum and fife. concertina and accordion. to the
skirl of the bagpipes. whilst the dress of the bandsmen varies
from naval rig to kilt and sporran. Some bands are comprised
entirely of female members of the order. (The tunes played and
the songs that are sung have been previously approved by the
watch committee.) There are very many minor processions by
different lodges throughout the year.
but
the"
Twelfth"
is a com-
bined effort when every member of the order makes his or her
effort to swell the ranks. The destination of the procession. which
moves off about 8a.m.• is invariably one of the local pleasure re-
sorts on Merseyside, Southport being the most popular venue.
Sports are arranged for the children and in the evening the proces-
sion returns to Liverpool. the members marching back to their
different districts.
The route to be followed is laid down by the chief constable
by virtue of his authority under s. 3 of the Public Order Act.
1936.
The power of the police to control the procession and all other
persons and traffic. is contained in a Proclamation issued by the
Lord Mayor in pursuance of his authority under s. 21 of the Town
Police Clauses Act. 1847. The power under the Proclamation is
631 December 1966
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