The Stakes Were High Traditional Cache
Lorgadh: As the owner has not responded to my previous log requesting that they check this cache I am archiving it.
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Karen
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In 1528 Patrick Hamilton (aged 24) was burned at the stake outside St Salvators College. Legend has it that, as he died, the image of his tortured face appeared on the wall of St Salvators clock tower.
St Andrews University, the oldest university in Scotland, was founded in 1413. The first universities were very closely connected to the church and, after 1408 Scottish students were no longer being admitted to English universities because of religious rivalry. This presented a problem and, to fill the gap, private teachers started to give lectures in St Andrews.
Eventually it was decided that it would be legally beneficial to form some sort of union or university, but only a university which had been approved by the pope could officially examine students and award degrees. The bishop of St Andrews was quick to realise how much prestige the town would have if it had a university, so, he successfully applied to the Pope for a charter.
Patrick Hamilton was educated in Linlithgow, graduated in Paris in 1520 and it was here that he was influenced by the writings of Martin Luther.
He first came to St Andrews University in 1523 but in 1527 the Archbishop of St Andrews (James Beaton) was made aware of Hamilton’s heretical teachings. Hamilton fled to Germany but soon returned, bold in the conviction of the truth of his principles. Beaton, scared of Hamilton’s powerful connections, was wary of open violence towards him. He decided to let Hamilton damn himself and he invited him to preach again at St Andrews whilst gathering evidence against him. Brought before a council of Bishops and Clergy, Hamilton was convicted of heresy and sentenced to be burned at the stake. This was carried out on the same day so that Hamilton’s friends could not come to his rescue. His courageous bearing attracted more attention then ever to the doctrines for which he suffered.
Set in the cobblestones at the place where Patrick Hamilton was burned at the stake are the initials “PH”. N 56° 20.474 W 002° 47.676
Standing on these initials is reputed to result in exam failure and other salutary repercussions for those who would carelessly trespass on his memory. You will, however, often see people dancing on his initials after their graduation.
I stood for some considerable time and I did indeed notice that a surprising number of young people seemed reluctant to step on the letters; sometimes stopping to allow other people to pass; sometimes taking a swift side step.
Park at any of the towns many car parks or on the main road. I parked at N 56° 20.471 W 002° 47.651 looking towards the silhouette of the beautiful ruined cathedral.
Enter St Salvators quadrangle at N 56° 20.477 W 002°47.676
The chapel of St Salvators is the medieval heart of the university and has a turbulent history of its own and, although not necessary to the completion of this cache, is well worthy of a visit in its own right. As you enter the quadrangle enter the chapel through the door immediately on your right. Even on the dullest winters day the light from the stain glass windows perfuse the pews with a magical air and Bishop Kennedy’s tomb is an almost unique example of late gothic architecture.
Cache is at N 56° 20.530 W 002° 47.688 Please note cache is a small metalic box with NO pencil in it.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Org Unzvygba cenlrq sbe bar bs gurfr!! Ahzore svir