Hoole Heath Skirmish - Stray Shot! Traditional Geocache
Hoole Heath Skirmish - Stray Shot!
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The cache is situated in a suburb of Chester near the former Hoole Heath an area reported to be the site of the last skirmishes following the 1645 Civil War - Battle of Rowton Heath. You are looking for a ‘Stray Shot’, cannon ball and camouflage canister with a log and pencil. There is ample parking nearby, stealth is required to retrieve the cache unseen....a torch is recommended even in daylight!
Stray shot and a lucky escape!
Legend has it that King Charles 1st on the 24th September 1645 stood and watched – The Battle of Rowton Heath from the King Charles Tower in Chester. In fact it was likely that what he saw was the final skirmishes between his Royalist Army and the Parliamentarians on Hoole Heath some 1.5 miles away (NE) and the site of this Civil War themed cache, (Rowton Heath is some 2.5 miles away (SE) and is not visible from King Charles Tower). During this final skirmish King Charles moved to St. Werburgh's steeple (the Chester Cathedral tower) in order to afford a better view. It is reported that whilst talking to a Captaine here a sniper fired a shot from the former St Johns Church Tower (now in ruins) narrowly missing the King, hitting the said Captaine in the head, who reportedly died on the spot – a lucky escape for the King. Was it an assassination attempt or a Stray Shot? Make a trip in to Chester city centre and you will be able to visit the Cathedral Tower; the ruins of St Johns Tower and now named King Charles Tower, maybe try your luck with a few other local caches.
The cache site is just off a cycle route / footpath and the main Hoole roundabout, so is popular with all manner of transport, stand at the cache site during the rush hour and witness a modern day version of the skirmish!! Close your eyes and imagine the ensuing battle gone by. The difficulty here is high as you will likely be under constant observation so stealth is required in searching and retrieving the cache – I hope you enjoy.
Look out for Cavaliers and Roundheads……..
Congratulations to Catmadnyx the FTF and your 1st....may there be many more
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Oruvaq gur vil pbirerq fvyire obk