Narya and the Shire

[Gordis]

Originally Posted by Inziladun

Those actions by the Elves drove the forces of Angmar away before they could invade the Shire, so I think it is still feasible neither the WK or his armies ever saw a hobbit.

The forces of Angmar couldn't invade the Shire back in 1409, because the Shire didn't yet exist. The hobbits settled there about 200 years later in 1600.

Originally Posted by Pitchwife

LotR Appendix B, The Tale of Years:
If the Downs were defended, wouldn't that imply they were under attack?

Certainly. And there is also a clearer quote:

A remnant of the faithful among the Dúnedain of Cardolan also held out in Tyrn Gorthad (the Barrowdowns), or took refuge in the Forest behind.-App A