Sandy Row drum maker William Hewitt claims his grandfather made the first Lambeg drum in 1870 and it had its first appearance at a Twelfth demonstration in Lambeg the following year. Moira, Co. Down lodge. It measures 72 centimetres in diameter and 61 centimetres in width and resembles present-day Lambeg drums, with a construction of two oak boards. Various animal skins have been used for the drum heads. The shell is mostlv of wood, but brass has been used.
Drum sticks are of wooden cane.
The beating of drums has been associated with Orange processions since the formation of the Order in 1795. A drum was carried at a Twelfth demonstration in Co. Armagh in 1796, lord Gosford, of Markethill, confirms in a letter to the Lord Lieutenant. Lord Camden in Dublin Castle. I have the honour to acquaint your excellency that the meeting of Orangemen took place in different parts of this county. One party, consisting Of 30 companies with banners etc'., after parading through Portadown, Loughgall, and Richhill came towards this place.