Church Micro 1522 - St Mary's Lytchett Matravers Multi-cache
Church Micro 1522 - St Mary's Lytchett Matravers
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(micro)
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Part of the Church Micro series, this is a short Multi-Cache. Parking is available close to the Church. There is a short drive off of Colehill Road which leads NW from the main part of the village.
As you will see from the description below the Church is located approximately 0.75 miles from the village centre.
St Mary's is the Parish Church of Lytchett Matravers and belongs to Salisbury Diocese. The Church is Norman in origin, the present building was started with the tower and dates back to 1200. Since then several additions and extensions have been added at various times to the present day.
There is some debate as to whether there was an older building on the site as the Yew tree in the churchyard is 600 years older than the Church.
The origins of the Church are tied to the Maltravers family who owned the land and manor nearby. Sir Walter Maltravers started the present Church whilst away on the Crusades and one of his descendants, Baron John Maltravers, was Edward II's jailer and perhaps one of those who commited regicide. He is buried in the church.
During the 14th century the village folk relocated to the top of the hill to try to escape the worst affects of the Black Death. The 'airs' at the top of the hill being purer than those in the valley? Thus the Church and Manor House are isolated from the present village.
For those feeling more energetic there is a footpath - Church Walk - that leads through the woods to the Church from the top of Colehill.
The coordinates quoted are those for the stage 1 coordinates. You will spot a notice board and need to look at the words in the upper, triangular frame of the structure.
Count the number of letters
A = 1st word, upper line minus 2nd word, middle line (assumes 4 "words")
B = 1st word, bottom line
C = 4th word, middle line
D = 1st word middle line
N 50° 45.BBA W 002° 05.ADC
The Cache location should be accessible to wheelchair; however there are 2 gates and a short, steep slope (ramp) to negotiate. Assistance may also be needed for the final grab?
If anyone would like to expand this series please do. I would just ask that you could let Sadexploration know first so that he can keep track of the Church numbers and names to avoid duplication
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Yrsg bs tngr