This is an interesting spot to visit if you pass this way. It is
a virtual cache in the respect that there is no Tupperware
container, but you are looking for a hidden object that most
passers-by don't see. Even "locals" are mostly unaware of this bit
of history.
The large tree is a very old (and nowadays, sick) tulip tree. If
you stand back a bit and look up into the branches you can see a
sword and miscellaneous chains. There is also supposed to be a
dagger there somewhere, although I wasn't able to see it on my last
visit.
I haven't been able to track down an authoritative version of
the story behind these items. I was told that someone put them
there on their way back from the crusades. A church was
first established on this site in the twelfth century... but could
the tree really be that old?
Some people say the "sword" is just bracing for an old and sick
tree, but it was there at least forty years ago and the tree was
quite healthy then.
I'd be interested to hear from you if you have any links to
information on this story.
The sword is much easier to see in autumn and winter, when there
are a lot less leaves on the tree, but you may be able to find it
anyway if you visit when it is light.
To verify your find, please e-mail me and tell me what it says
on the nearby wrought-iron gates (the whole lot, not just one date,
please) and/or post a photo of yourself with your GPS at the
spot. Geocaching.com suggests this procedure to exclude internet
searchers from logging this as a find... although I'm not convinced
that GeoCache fraud is a profitable exercise!
NOTE: The map links below do not lead to good maps. You can
click here for the www.streetmap.co.uk map, which is
better.