Lieutenant Claudius Beaty
Claudius Beaty's Commission, 20 July 1689. NAM 2000-10-69
'His Majesty was here in the crowd of all, drawing his sword, and animating those that fled to follow him…. ' - Lord Southwell, 2 July 1690
Legend has it that Claudius Beaty once saved the life of King William III. We know little about Claudius, except that he was a Lieutenant in a regiment of horse which fought for William III at the Battle of the Boyne on 12 July 1690.
Lace from the coat of King William III. NAM 2001-11-178
During the course of the battle, the King had a number of narrow escapes. He was twice grazed by musket balls, and once almost killed by his own side during the confusion of the Battle. We know that the King led Beaty’s regiment into battle in person.
Was it here that the young Claudius Beaty became a hero? The piece of bloodstained lace on display at the National Army Museum is traditionally said to have been given to Beaty by William III for saving his life during the Battle. We shall never know whether the story is true, but certainly he must have rendered the King some special service to receive such a mark of royal favour.
