The Cockatrice Traditional Geocache
Professor Xavier: As the owner has not responded to my previous log requesting that they check this cache I am archiving it. Please note that as this cache has now been archived by a reviewer or HQ staff it will NOT be unarchived.
Regards
Ed
Professor Xavier - Volunteer UK Reviewer
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*** CAUTION in Summer the cache may be overgrown with nettles*** An easy stroll around Wherwell, one of Hampshire’s prettiest villages, where you will learn all about a terrifying winged monster from the 15th century, see plenty of thatched cottages and have a “Testing” time by the river. Do not forget your camera!
This cache was first placed on 5th July 2002, but was stolen, it was relocated on 24th April 2004.
DO NOT PARK YOUR CAR IN THE CHURCH CAR PARK one geocacher had their car broken into!
Park somewhere in Wherwell that is clearly visible, if you are lucky you may be able to park near the river at N51 09.753, W001 26.998, but you will not get to appreciate the village as much. Alternative parking is available in the nearby village of Chilbolton, including the public car park at N51 09.500, W001 26.618.
If starting in Wherwell, walk past “The White Lion” public house (when the main road turns sharp right). Look out as you walk by the cottages for carved stones recycled from the old abbey. The tree cover along the road may cause difficulties for your GPS but just keep walking until you see a left turn signed “The Test Way”.
Cross the river, but be careful, in 1002 Queen Elfrida drowned nearby after falling in! You should be able to spot some Brown Trout in the river and maybe a kingfisher, if you are lucky.
All you have to do is walk across the Common and let your GPS guide you to the cache. In wet weather boots would be advised and mind out for the country pancakes. In places it may not be suitable for bikes or pushchairs.
Wear gloves and long sleeves to grab the cache as there are some nettles at the end.
The cache is named after a terrifying winged monster, the result of a toad crossed with a Cockerel, which terrorised the local area in the 15th century, mainly because it loved to eat humans. A reward of 100 acres of land was offered to anyone who could get rid of this fearsome creature and many died in the attempt, until, a man named Green used his brains as well as his brawn!
If you find the cache you will learn how he succeeded, if you happen to bump into The Cockatrice something in the box will help (but please leave it behind for other visitors).
The relocated cache is a small ammo box containing a clutch of cockatrice eggs and related goodies, children’s toys and some more details of the history of Wherwell.
There is a bench by the river halfway across The Common (N51 09.551, W001 26.680) if you feel like a rest or a picnic. You can also take a paddle in the stream.
It is very easy to combine this cache with a circular walk perhaps taking in West Down, Fullerton or even Goodworth Clatford if you have time. There are also other caches nearby.
Try to take time to visit the church in Wherwell, in the grounds a mausoleum has been built with some ugly carved heads reused from the old abbey. In the church itself the kneeler at the pulpit is embroidered with The Cockatrice and a booklet is on sale telling you more about the village.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Ng gur obhaqnel srapr, haqre n snyyra gerr.