The cache has been replaced after being reported missing. A new
logbook with the names of people who have already found the
original cache has been left. After some deliberation we decided to
replace the cache not far from the original site but hopefully in a
safer spot.
Using the same co-ords, take 8-10 paces approx, to the East, to
find the cache. Please be aware of muggles and be discreet at the
cache location.
This cache can be found at Drumballroney church and school house
where Patrick Bronte, father of the novelist sisters, preached and
taught. Both are preserved and house the Bronte Interpretative
Centre. The remains of Patrick's (b.17th March 1777) birthplace
cottage at Emdale can be seen on the eight mile signposted Homeland
Drive which starts from the centre.
There is a carpark beside the centre and there are talks given
by appointment (although to find this cache you do not need to
access the school house and Centre).
Patrick Brunty was born and brought up in the rolling hills
between Rathfriland and Banbridge and spent his early life in this
area, born into a local farming family. He moved to England to
further his education and was ordained as a deacon in 1806. He
later returned to his homeplace to preach but lived out the rest of
his life in England. He changed his name from Brunty to Bronte -
some believe to disguise his humble origins. He married Maria
Branwell at Guiseley Parish Church, Yorkshire on the 29th December
1812. They had one son and five daughters: Maria (1814), Elizabeth
(1815), Charlotte (1816), Patrick Branwell (1817), Emily Jane
(1818) and Anne (1820). Patrick Brontë never re-married after the
death of his wife; he outlived all his children, and he has no
direct descendants.
Bronte Homeland Picnic Site, Knockiveagh: The picnic site at
Knockiveagh is an ideal place to stop and see the rolling hills
where Patrick Bronte grew up and the mountains of Mourne in the
background. The picnic area occupies the ruins of a former shebeen
- an illicit drinking house. Alice McClory's Cottage: This cottage
was the childhood home of Patrick's mother, Alice McClory. Alice
and Hugh used to court secretly and some say they eloped to their
wedding in Magherally Church, near Banbridge. The Birthplace
Cottage: Little now remains of the family's two-roomed cottage in
the fairy glen at Emdale. The remains have been in the care of the
Bronte Homeland Trust since 1956. Glascar School: Patrick taught
here in the 1790's, although the original schoolhouse was replaced
by this more modern building in 1844. He is said to have used
enlightened teaching methods to bring out the best in his pupils.
He was later dismissed for forming a romantic attachment with one
of them.
To find this cache does not involve a long walk but the views
are stunning on a good day.
The cache contains the usual swappable items. If coming from
Banbridge - take the main Banbridge to Rathfriland road (B10) and
drive for approx 9 miles. Turn onto Church Hill Road signposted for
the Bronte Centre, drive approx 1 mile and you will see the church.
If coming from Rathfriland the Church Hill Road is approx 1 mile
from Rathfriland and will be well signposted.