The Cathedral of the Dales Traditional Geocache
The Cathedral of the Dales
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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The church of St Michael the Archangel, Kirkby Malham, is affectionately known locally as “The Cathedral of the Dales”. The major part of the present structure dates from about 1490, but some features of an earlier construction were incorporated. The style is rustic perpendicular Gothic, with a large square tower adorned by a crenelated parapet. Carved on the south-west buttress of the tower are four coats of arms, the Malhams of Calton, the Tempests of Broughton, the Bankes of Bank Newton and a fourth now unknown. These families were probably benefactors of the Church at the time of its reconstruction. At the top of the south-east buttress are the arms of Fountains Abbey, a large landowner in the Parish up to the Reformation
Interesting features, if you have time to look around, include the old stocks, sited just inside the lychgate. They were removed to here from the crossroads opposite the bridge. In the northeast part of the churchyard is "The Watery Grave" marked by a tall marble cross. It is told that Colonel and Mrs. John Harrison were separated for long periods due to John's frequent service overseas and Helen decided (with a touch of Victorian whimsy) that as water had separated them so often in life so it should in death. She therefore arranged that they should be buried on either side of the small stream which runs through this section of the churchyard. Helen died in 1890 and was buried on the south side of the stream. John died in 1900, but it was found that the north side was impenetrable rock - so John was buried on the south side with Helen after all!
If you are seeking this cache as the hour is struck you will hear the deep note of “Lambert’s Great Tenor” bell. This bell, cast in 1602, was a gift to the parish by Josiah Lambert of Calton Hall and is decorated with the coat of arms of Queen Elizabeth 1st, together with the inscription, “God Save Ovr Church ovr Queen and realme” Clearly Josiah was a staunch Royalist. However, his son, General ‘Honest’ John Lambert was Oliver Cromwell’s 2nd in Command, so there may have been some friction in the Lambert household! Cromwell visited General Lambert and his signature appeared in the parish registers, as he witnessed two weddings during his stay. A framed photocopy of the page is hung in the church. This bell also has its place in literary history as Charles Kingsley, who wrote ‘The Water Babies’ while staying at Tarn House, Malham, mentions its sonorous tone as the first sound heard by Tom, the hero of this famous book, when he emerged from the water.
If you happen to be nearby between 7.30 & 9.00 on a Tuesday evening and hear the bells being rung, do come in and chat to the ringers. They are always happy to explain their hobby to others and you will probably be invited to 'have a go'!
This cache is one of seven to be visited to gather co-ordinates for ‘A Malhamdale Meander Challenge’ multi cache. Part of the co-ordinates for that cache are fixed to the bottom of this cache and written on the cover of the log book.
As this cache is vulnerable to accidental discovery, please re-hide it VERY carefully!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Vg fbhaqf nf vs guvf pnpur vf orarngu lbh!