An 18th-century Co Armagh cottage, the home of Dan Winters, one of the founding members of the Orange Order in 1795, was officially reopened by the Order's Grand Master, Mr Robert Salters, yesterday.
The cottage, at the site of the Battle of the Diamond near Portadown, Co Armagh, has been restored to its original condition at the time of the battle in 1795 by Mr Colin Winter, a direct descendant of Dan Winter.
The cottage complex, which contains 18th-century dwelling accommodation, a spirit grocer's and a weavers' shed, is the first phase of an overall project which will include a heritage and interpretative centre depicting the history of the Battle of the Diamond and the birth of the Orange Order.
Mr Salters praised the time and effort which had gone into the restoration of the cottage.
Following the reopening ceremony, the building was dedicated by the DUP leader, the Rev Ian Paisley.
A number of Grand Orange Lodge officers, including the Co Armagh Grand Master, Mr Denis Watson, and its executive officer, Mr George Patton, also attended yesterday's ceremony.
On Saturday the Orange Order is staging a re-enactment of the Battle of the Diamond, which involved the rival Catholic "Defenders" and the Protestant "Orange Boys", on the original battle site.