Church Micro 10830...Cothelstone
A slightly lesser well known church in the Taunton Deane district at the base of the Quantock hills.
The church of St Thomas of Canterbury is a grade 1 listed building that was believed to have been constructed in the 13th Century. It is closely associated with Cothelstone manor, the occupants of which have been responsible for its upkeep and maintanance. It was largely
restored in 1864 and incorporated memorials to the Stawell family including Sir Matthew de Stawell who died in 1379, and his wife Elizabeth, as well as
John Stawell who died in 1603. The church is currently supported by the Esdailes family who are now the current lords of the manor. St Agnes' well nearby is a grade 2 listed building that provides the holy water for the church as well as for Cothelstone manor and was restored by the 'Friends of the Quantocks' in 1987.
Cothelstone church is on private property, but there are public rights of way going through the grounds. Please do not leave the footpaths when in the grounds of Cothelstone manor. The occupants of the manor have also requested that this cache is not attempted after dark.
Parking: There is parking for the church, but this is on private property and is reserved for church visitors only. Therfore the recommended parking spot is a little way up the road from the entrance.
Stage 1:
Stage 1 takes you to the front door of Cothelstone church, there are two options to get here. There is a footpath starting to the South East of the church which goes through, effectively the front garden of the manor. I never like taking this path because I feel that I'm being intrusive. Alternatively there is a footpath starting to the North West from Terhill lane, which offers a very picturesque walk to the church, but you may encounter livestock walking this way therfore it is not suitable for dog walkers.
Stage 2:
Stage 2 takes you to St Agnes' well, the source of the churches holy water. This can be reached by a footpath to the East of the church (OS map screenshot in pictures if your still uncertain)
Proceed to stage 1:
1. The wooden gates by the church door have some 4 leaf clover like shapes in them and some small holes. The number of holes in 1 gate = A
2. Proceed towards the stone church wall, there is a white grave for Edward Jefferies, who died on the B7 of January.
3. To the right of the gates as you are leaving the graveyard there is a commemorative cherry tree with C number of branches coming out of the single trunk
Proceed to Stage 2, St Agnes' Well
4. St Agnes feast day is on the 2D of January
5. The wooden gate to the well is made up of E planks of wood.
The final cache can be found at
N51 0C.(B+C+D)A(E squared)
W 003 D(A-C-E-D).0(A+B)
Tweezers may be needed.
Please replace cache securely as found and please ensure the internal component is fastened in place (Do not remove the pin please)
Thank you to TDBC for allowing the placement of this cache and the occupants of Cothelstone manor.
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