Lower Bann Bridges. Coleraine Old Bridge. Traditional Cache

This cache is a nano. Bring a pen and tweezers.

This cache is one of thirteen in this series. In each log or cache cover is a letter (A-M) with a corresponding number. Collect all numbers and a bonus cache will be revealed.

N.  AB CD.EFG    W.  H IJ.KLM

The Lower Bann flows from Lough Neagh at Toome tothe Atlantic Ocean at portstewart. The river is 38 miles (51 km) long and is a canalised waterway with five navigational locks at Toome, Portna, Movanagher, Carnroe and Castleroe. It acts as most of the county border between Counties Antrim and Londonderry. This series has caches at or nearby 13 bridges (used or disused) that span part or all of the river.

The story of the bridge across the River Bann has an interesting history. Initially a bridge was built across the River Bann in 1248 but was later burned and destroyed in 1315 as a result of the Bruce invasion. Throughout most of the 17th century there was no bridge across the River, instead a ferry transported people across. The use of the ferry generated an income and allowed another method of controlling who was coming into the town. The ferry is remembered today at Ferryquay place, where a Round the Ramparts sign marks its location. A Coleraine 400 plaque is due to be installed in a similar location in the Autumn of 2013.

Records tell us that William Jackson built a bridge across the Bann in 1673. Another bridge was erected in 1716 and taken down in 1843. The stone bridge, which we still have today, was completed in 1844.

 The view of the Old Bridge at Coleraine, erected in 1716, and taken down 1843.