Planter's Gothic Multi-Cache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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Simple two-stage multi in the grounds of Malachy's parish church,
Hillsborough. Grounds open c.8.30-17.00 daily (sometimes later).
NB: Until we can replace first stage: co-ords of final cache are: N
54° 27.695 W 006° 04.908
The parish church of Hillsborough is clearly the focal point of the
area. It is a most magnificent church, thanks to Hill family
patronage over many centuries. However, although it is the oldest
church in the district, it is not medieval, the foundation dating
only from 1662. The new church was built by Arthur Hill and it
flourished for over 100 years until Wills Hill, first Marquis of
Downshire, decided to enlarge and rebuild it to the present size.
St. Malachy's was rebuilt in 1760-74 and was paid for by Wills
Hill, 1st Marquis of Downshire. The original 17th-century church
was in very bad repair and the new church, although large, used
some of the old foundations. The architects for the spire c. 1770
were James & David McBlain.
The visitor will note the massive tower, housing a ring of eight
bells, cast by Rudhall of Gloucester in 1772, and an electrically
operated carillon. The graceful spire rises to a height of 210 feet
from the ground, and, when floodlit, it can be seen from miles
around. On the face of the tower two date stones with the Hill and
Downshire arms, mark the episodes in the building's story. The
Snetzler organ in the west gallery dates from 1773 and the GP
England chamber organ in the choir from 1923. The church has been
little altered - high box pews have been retained, as has the
pulpit, complete with sounding board. St Malachy's is one of the
finest examples of 18th century church architecture extant in
Ireland.
THE CACHE is not at the published co-ordinates. At the FIRST
STAGE you will find a camo-ed micro containing the co-ords for the
final cache. Please rehide carefully after finding. The final cache
is a small tablock box with room for some travellers and
swaps.
Cache placed with kind permission of the rector.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Fgntr 1: Rlr-yriry ubyr va gur jnyy.
Fgntr 2: Haqre gur fyngr ebbs