The 19th Century was a period of great unrest in Ireland as the people bristled under English rule. But half a world away, in the colony of New South Wales, those fighting for an Irish Republic found a staunch ally and wealthy supporter.

In her new book, former journalist and keen local historian, Liz Edwards, explores the extraordinary link between Orange and the fight for Irish Independence.

The story of the Daltons, rising from simple shopkeepers to build a massive mercantile and pastoral empire based in Orange is well known. Their impact on the city and the district can be seen in street names and the magnificent houses and commercial buildings that remain.

But Liz said she always felt there was more to the story of the Dalton family than had been previously been put in print.

“In 1988, the Dalton family wrote a book about the Daltons and I just always felt there was so much more that could be said about them,” he said.

“It's a really good reference book about that family, but there was a lot more than needed to be told about them and their importance to Orange and to the Irish cause.”

James Dalton Snr came to Australia from Ireland as a convict, his young son James Jnr joining him after he was given his freedom.

Liz said it wasn’t until she began her research that she discovered just how connected they remained to Ireland and the campaign for independence.

“They always supported the cause for independence from England in a big way,” said Liz. “They were always very keen to support any Irish Cause, whether it was to do with famine, or poverty, or evictions by landlords who were mainly English… the Daltons were always there to give money, but to also give support to anything like that.”

The Daltons hosted Irish politicians here in Orange to spoke publicly about the cause. And two of the Dalton women married the Redman brothers, both politicians and supporters of an Irish Republic.

 “I started really just researching about the family itself and then it became very clear that there was a lot of Irish politics and it was very important to record that,” said Liz.

“[The Daltons] have that connection all the time with the Redmans and they fought right up to their dying days to try and get independence for Ireland; it was a really important connection and one that people probably don't realise.”

Liz will be officially launching her book, Wearing the Green: the Daltons and the Irish Cause on Friday 15 November at 6-8pm at Duntryleague. The opening will be held in the Dalton Room and feature Irish music, speakers and light refreshments.

 Collins books will be there with copies of Wearing the Green: the Daltons and the Irish Cause for sale - credit card facilities will be available.

For catering purposes, please RSVP by Wednesday 6 November by phoning Liz Edwards on 6362 8647 or email: liz.edwards@orangepeel.it