Evoy's Forge: A 1798 Pike Factory

 As part of my current project, I've made it my goal to visit some of the sites associated with the 1798 Rebellion. As I pass by many of these places on an almost daily basis, it's easy to take them for granted. I realised that it's been years since I visited these locations, so I still have lots to learn from them.

Here are some photos from a recent trip to Evoy's Forge. It's at the foot of Carrickbyrne Hill, where the United Irishmen camped before the Battle of New Ross. It is located on lands that were part of the Brown-Clayton Estate. The estate includes the Brown-Clayton Column, constructed in 1836 in honour of Ralph Abercromby, who, among other things, was briefly leader of British forces in Ireland during the rebellion. 

The forge was used to produce pike heads, which were then attached to ash staves. A variety of pike designs and sizes existed, based on regional and personal preferences. They could be between 8 and 14 feet in length (See F. Thompson, "The Uniforms of 1798-1803". A valuable resource).

A plaque by the forge commemorates the rebels' march from the camp to New Ross. 

   The Irish translates to "At God's right hand     were they all", a common dedication to         deceased people. 

The forge was restored in 1998 for the bicentenary of the rebellion. The Irish reads "This forge was restored in honour of all the smiths of 1798". 

The front of the forge. The slate roof was originally thatch. 

The interior features a furnace and other equipment. 

I'm really looking forward to making deployment points for my Sharp Practice forces. I think that this building will be perfect. 

After looking around the forge, I headed up Judge's Road in Bagenal Harvey's footsteps. Unfortunately I hadn't the time to explore the hill fully. There's so much to see there, including an ancient standing stone and the ruins of a hedge school, not to mention the rebel camp. I'll definitely be back soon.