1961 Magazine Fall 2016

HISTORY & TRAVEL
CAPTAIN’S QUARTERS, BUNRATTY CASTLE
The Parliamentarian expedition was under the command
of Vice-Admiral William Penn with Colonel McAdam
leading the ground troops. Penn was a seasoned
seaman who was appointed his first captainship in
1642. At 23 years of age, the young Vice-Admiral had
already accumulated plenty of experience at sea.
Having served an apprenticeship with his father Giles
Penn who was a merchant in Bristol, he was able to
move through the ranks quickly and gain tremendous
experience that would serve him well in later years.
The Confederate army was under the command of
Viscount Muskerry, with Lieutenant Colonel Purcell,
Major General Stephenson and Colonel Purcell
commanding the Calvary forces. Having superior
advantage of the hill, the Irish soldiers managed
firm entrenchments. The hillside was so steep and
riddled with boulders the troops dug horizontally into
the hillsides and covered their makeshift caves with
fascines for camouflage and protection against their
enemy and the elements.
BUNRATTY CASTLE, EAST CORCASSE
After several more days of skirmishes and battle
exchange, McAdam learned that their defensive
trenches around the castle were being filled in by
the Confederate forces. With the help of Penn’s naval
officers, a bid to capture the Confederate cannons
was undertaken.
CANNON PLATFORM, BUNRATTY CASTLE
May 24, 1645 - The Cavalry Charge:
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Fall 2016 1961 Magazine
With cannon shot continually raining down on the
castle there was no time to waste. McAdam organized
his officers and soldiers. Making their way out of the
castle and passing the cannon platform on the left,
they made their way by twos through the main gate
and completed their way quickly to the north hill. The
Confederates had little time to organize. McAdam cried
for the charge. Catching the Confederates by surprise,