A body of men in Ulster recruited in 1795 from the Ulster factions and the "Peep-of-Day Boys." It was called the Orange Society, taking its name from William of Orange, having Protestant ascendancy and hatred of Catholicism as its battle-cry. It spread rapidly, having lodges in England and Canada; instead of suppressing it, the Government condoned its lawless acts, while the Catholics were being persecuted. Orangemen still celebrate in Ulster on the 1st and 12th of July, the anniversaries of the battles of Boyne and Aughrim.