In 1597, field commander Lord Burgh on behalf of the Dublin government had built a new fort on the river Blackwater. The fort was intended to facilitate later military excursions into county Tyrone. Soon after it was built the Earl of Tyrone (O'Neill) laid siege to it. In 1598, with the besieged garrison still intact but running precariously low on supplies, the Dublin government debated at length whether to abandon the fort, for the reason that its location was too far into O'Neill's home territory to be sustainable. Commander Henry Bagenal, experienced at fighting Ulstermen, argued the fort should be re-supplied and was appointed to lead the expedition. About 4,000 troops were assigned to the expedition, a large number in those days
The Boggy Ford
A Ford through the Bog of Annahagh was called the Boggy Ford by the English. The rural scrub around this area is very like the scrub that would have been here more the 400 years ago. The first regiment crossed the bog with relative ease. Next, when the second regiment under Commander Henry Bagenal reached the ford with a great cannon known as a Saker, it got bogged down. In his frustration he left the cannon behind and continued on towards the trenches. When the later regiments reached the boggy ford they were fiercely attacked, separating them even further from the main body.
The cache is a black drill bit box, 70mm long and 20mm wide and parking is at the location on the side of the road opposite a field gate. You do not need to enter the field. Please replace carefully.
Bagenal's Bridge
This Bridge over a large sheugh or drain here is known locally as Bagenal's Bridge. Local tradition and scholarship point to the fact that Henry Bagenal was killed near this spot. However it is interesting that in 1603 the English cartographer Bartlett names a place called Ballymac Kilconna on the other side of the Callan River (possibly Ballymackilmurray), as the place where "Sir Henry Bagnall Marshall was slain." A cache is located near the bridge courteous of cep99 and is well worth a visit.