A Sketch of The Siege of Cork.
Note Cork had various spellings in it's past (Corke, Korke, Corcach)
Background
The 17th century was a turbulent and significant century in the history of both Cork City and Ireland. It saw the re-establishment of the power of the English Crown over Ireland and as a result, the decline of the old Gaelic civilisation. Star-shaped forts in County Cork were built at Haulbowline, Camden Fort, Carlisle Fort and Kinsale during this time by English forces. This was part of a defence strategy for Cork city and harbour which by that stage had established itself as a wealthy trade centre and strategic centre in communication lines with Europe.
Elizabeth Fort was built at the expense of the citizens of Cork, and named after the Queen of England - Elizabeth I. Elizabeth Fort is the most important and best preserved urban artillery fortification in Ireland. The original fort was built of timber and earth in 1601 by Sir George Carew, the then president of Munster.
In 1603 the Mayor and Council of Cork were opposed to the new King, James I. They demolished Elizabeth Fort in order that it might not be used against them, however they were soon defeated by the army of Lord Mountjoy, and, as a penalty, were made to rebuild it. The fort was rebuilt again in 1624, again at their own expense.
In 1626 the Fort was replaced by a stronger stone structure. Despite being almost 400 yeras old, much of the fabric dating to 1624 remains and the limestone outcrop on which it stands is the only example of seventeenth century rock quarrying known in Ireland today. If you look closely at the stonework of the south wall, you can see the different phases of the forts development.
The Siege of Cork
The Siege of Cork was a result of a dispute over the throne of England between Catholic King James II of England and Protestant William of Orange, ruler of Holland (Netherlands). The citizens of Cork rallied behind James II (a movement that became known as the Jacobite cause). The result was that a Williamite army, under the leadership of the Duke of Marlborough, was dispatched to Cork to regain the city for William.
Cork City was practically indefensible against attack due to it's location on low-lying ground overlooked by high ground to the north and south. Roger MacElligott, commander of the garrison in Cork, had been advised by Jacobite generals to burn the city of Cork and retreat to Kerry. Marlborough, encamped his forces in the vicinity of the Lough, south of Elizabeth Fort. A detachment was sent under the command of Lieutenant-general Scravemoer to attack from the north side of the Lee, while Marlborough' forces attacked from the south.
On the 28th of September 1690, the Williamite army attacked from both sides of the river, supported by their artillery and by warships which had sailed up the river and joined in the bombardment. Elizabeth Fort held out against attack, but the main attack was directed at the eastern city wall, the wall was breached and the city capitulated within four days.
Realising that the situation was hopeless, MacElligott, after some negotiations, agreed to hand over Elizabeth Fort immediately and to surrender the city on the following day. Marlborough agreed to treat the garrison as prisoners of war and to show clemency to the inhabitants of the city. The siege of Cork was over. Its walls, which had stood for centuries, were destroyed, being obsolete against the new weapons of war.
The Cache
Part 1
At the starting location, you will find a silver coloured plaque on the front wall of the Fort. This plaque is titled "Welcome to Elizabeth Fort".
On the top right of the plaque, there is a four digit number. - 186A
Part 2
N 51° 53.828 W 008° 28.514
At these reference co-ords you will find an interesting artifact from Cork's past. Placed upright in the pathway is a cannon reputedly used in the Siege. It is similar to a Shaker cannon dating from the sixteenth century held in Collins Barracks Museum, in Cork. This was later used as a mooring post for a quayside in the 1700's. You do not need any numbers here, I just wanted to make you see it !
Part 3
N 51° 53.840 W 008° 28.533
A few metres away, will bring you to the gates of Bishop Lucey Park, Opened in 1985 as part of the Cork City's 800th birthday celebrations. Just inside the park you will see the remains of the old city walls - the very walls which were breached by the cannons used by the Williamite forces during the Siege of Cork. Take note of the number on the plaque on this exposed wall. Note that this old wall is below ground level ! "...B C th Century..."
Final Location
There is a short walk to the final location, and at the final location you will have a good view of the North wall of Elizabeth Fort. To get the co-ordinates, use the following equation:
N 51° 53.(A+B) (A-2C) (C-B)
W 008° 28.(C+B+C) (C-3B) (A-C)
Please Replace the cache exactly as you found it, so it doesn't get muggled! Thanks!