This virtual cache is on the site of the old Palace of Westminster, currently better known as “The Houses of Parliament” and “Big Ben”. It is a lovely place to rest in a quiet corner away from the surrounding chaos. Big Ben is famous throughout the world, but few people know that Big Ben is the clock bell and not the tower or building. There is more information about Big Ben at this web site.
The whole building is called the Palace of Westminster and the only remaining building from that period, Westminster Hall, was built between 1097 and 1099. The Royal court carried out the functions of government at that time, so all the other government buildings grew up around this location. This site only became the permanent seat of what we would recognise as Parliament (The House of Commons) in 1547. It is possible for anyone to book ahead to tour Parliament and UK citizens can book free tours by application through your Member of Parliament. Book months ahead, the free tours fill up but we can highly recommend them having done it ourselves. There is more information about The Houses of Parliament at this web site.
This cache is placed near The Jewel Tower, built in 1360 to protect the fabulous gold and silver treasures of King Edward III. Much of the medieval Palace of Westminster was destroyed by fire 1834 and The Jewel Tower was the only surviving complete building. The Jewel Tower has a moat and quay. You can pay to enter the Jewel Tower (not required to access the virtual answers) and the top floor displays eight pieces of medieval sculpture, relics of Westminster Hall, the huge room at the heart of the Palace of Westminster dating from the first construction in the 1090s during the reign of William II.
Access to the cache area has changed during the Winter to weekends only (1000-1600). However, if you are equipped with a powerful camera lens or binoculars then the answer can be read from street level (but fortunately not streetview)!
In order to claim this cache as a find, please go to the information board named “The Palace of Westminster” at the above coordinates to answer the following questions and send the answer to us through the message system:
1. Who was the first resident and
2. What is the first date listed for this person?
Unfortunately this location is frequently closed these days. As a result I will accept a photo of the location AND which includes you or something personal to you (I always use a selfie but I will accept your photo if it includes your caching name, your thumb or something that is unique to you).
Under no circumstances should you post the answers in your log or post photographs of the answer. You must physically visit this cache in order to log it, please do not abuse this requirement (I regret that I will have to delete logs that do not meet these requirements).
Please check out the Geocaching Association of Great Britain offering support for Geocachers in GB.