GC1PHVA Hey! Bridge (Traditional Cache) in Eastern England, United Kingdom created by Gefaell's

This cache has been archived.

Alba15: As the owner has not responded to my previous log requesting that they check this cache I am archiving it.

If you wish to email me please send your email via my profile (click on my name) and quote the cache name and number.

Alba15
Volunteer UK Reviewer - geocaching.com
UK Geocaching Information & Resources site http://www.follow-the-arrow.co.uk/resources/

GC1PHVA ▼

A cache by Gefaell's Message this owner

Hidden : 4/4/2009

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: small (small)

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Geocache Description:

Situated down a public footpath along side the Blackwater.
Deep water so take care with small children. Can become muddy underfoot after rain.
Fine for bikes but a bit bumpy for buggies but passable.
Fine for dog walking but please pick up do do!

Parking available nearby in shopping area but will be necessary to cross the busy main road so please take care.

From parking co-ords, cross and take the left hand path.

A Brief History of the Blackwater
Evidence exists that salt making was carried out from the Iron age and to this day, the Red Hills of the Roman period can still be found. Salt making is still carried out on the River Blackwater, for further information click here: www.maldonsalt.co.uk

There is evidence that the Romans had colonised Maldon by the 1st Century AD, and were obtaining fish and oysters from the Blackwater to feed the settlement.

During the late 1990's, Saxon fish traps were uncovered with the help of weather conditions and were then excavated by Essex County Council Archaeological group. These large, permanent structures gave some indication of the huge effort it must have taken to build and maintain them. Today, all that remains of the structures are the eroded stumps of the upright posts and some parts of the wattle panelling a few inches high. Further information can be obtained from the Essex County Council Archaeology website at: (visit link)

In 991AD a Viking fleet sailed up the Blackwater and landed on an island (believed to be Northey Island). The island is to this day still linked to the mainland by a causeway, and it was across this road that the Saxon Earl Byrthnoth, the royal deputy in Essex made the mistake of allowing the Vikings across to engage them in battle. The Saxons lost this decisive battle, and it was as a result of this loss that King Ethelred made peace with the Vikings and paid the first Danegeld as a form of 'protection' against further raids.

On the 7th October 1155, King Henry 2nd granted Maldon a Borough Charter confirming its status, one of the conditions was the provision of a ship for the Kings defence, and to enable this to be done a Water Bailiff was appointed to gather taxes from the river. This post is still in existence, making the Maldon Water ( or River ) Bailiff one of the longest surviving posts in the Country today. Further information about the role of the River Bailiff or the history of the River Blackwater can be obtained by e-mail at rivers@maldon.gov.uk.

Up to the 18th Century, the River Blackwater continued to grow in importance, and during this period, it became the main supply route for imports along the East Coast, as well as a major source of food for the town. During the winter of 1776 the Blackwater froze from Maldon to Osea island, a distance of some four miles. The ice trapped fishing and cargo carrying vessels and blocked any imports of coal, oil, wool etc. At the height of winter, two thirds of the town was without work and pay, and the freeze caused great hardship to almost every resident.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Jvyybj Fvqr... Tb evtug bss gur envyf!

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)