This cache is the sixth in the 'Surrey Arts' series started by Woking Wonders to commemorate people of significance in the various arts (literary, musical, etc.) with Surrey connections. The series was inspired by the excellent 'X Marks the Spot' puzzles.
To find the cache, you first need to identify X:
- X was born in Surrey, and lived here until the age of fourteen. He was finally laid to rest within a few miles of his place of birth.
- X was born into a prominent family of writers, educationalists and scientists. His paternal grandfather was a vocal advocate of evolution. A great grandfather on his mother's side was the reforming headmaster of a famous public school.
- X was educated at a (different) public school before graduating with a first class degree from Oxford University. He returned to his old school for a while as a teacher. One of his students went on to complete a work that is often compared to X's own most notable work.
You will need to visit a number of locations - not necessarily in person - to gather the pieces of the puzzle:
Location 1
X lived in his first home until he was six. There is a postcard showing the road three years later. How many houses are on the southern side? (A)
Location 2
His second home was at an establishment founded by his mother. How many tiled signs now stand at the entrance and exit? (B)
Location 3
After the death of his mother, X's family moved out of Surrey. A blue plaque marks the final family home. How many words in the inscription under the names? (C)
Location 4
Following his first marriage, X lived and worked in Europe. He resided briefly in his wife's home town, Sint-Truiden, where he wrote "Uncle Spencer". There's a plaque here too. How many letters in the house name (two words)? (D)
Location 5
In his forties, X moved even further afield. His home for the last two years of his life was in the shadow of a famous landmark. How many letters? (E)
Location 6
Eight years after his death, X's ashes were brought back to Surrey and buried in the family grave. How many family members (including his mother)? (F)
Final Location
The cache can be found at:
N 51° 1X W 000° 3Y
where 1000*X = ((A-B+C+D+E-F)*250)+15
and 1000*Y = ((A+B+C+D+E+F)*210)-81
Congratulations on the FTF to =Andy_R.