St Mary and St Bartholomew
A Benedictine monastery existed on this site in Saxon times. It was founded in the tenth century and was linked for many years with the abbey at Tewkesbury. Apart from the church, none of the monastic buildings survive and were demolished in 1703.
The oldest part of the present building is the Norman doorway in the north porch, about 1120. The church was rebuilt in the 13c and the nave has some very notable murals. The font is of Purbeck Marble and is thirteenth century. The pulpit is fifteenth century. The tower was built in 1440, probably at the expense of the Duke of York, and contains eight bells. The chancel was rebuilt in 1875. The superb wagon roof was entirely renewed in 1958. Note on the north side, the delightful monument to a schoolboy who rests his elbow on a skull and holds a posy of flowers.
To find the cache look for the seat presented by the Searchlight Regiment Reunion Association. Regiment number = A. The other dates on the plaque are BCDE-FGHJ and May KLMN. You will find the cache a short walk away at: N50 55.F(M-D)D W001 55.(A+N)(N-F)(L-G)
If anybody would like to expand this series we would just ask that you contact sadexploration first so he can keep track of the Church numbers and names and to avoid duplication.
I would suggest that you work out the puzzle before you proceed with the CCC - might save you re-tracing your steps.
When I'm out caching I carry a supply of replacement log sheets so that I can help out the cache owner by carrying out any maintenance that's required.
If anybody would like to replace any logs that need urgent servicing in my caches, please do so. |