Belbroughton was at the core of the North Worcestershire scythe-making district. Many of the mills of the area were formerly blade mills used for sharpening them, after a scythesmith had forged them from iron, with a thin strip of steel along the cutting edge. From the late 18th century until about 1870, the Waldron family of Field House Clent were the leading manufacturers. They were succeeded by Isaac Nash, whose business finally closed in about 1970. Scythes were formerly not just made in Belbroughton, but also several adjacent parishes, including Chaddesley Corbett.
The Cache
This is a very simple four stage multi which can be completed in under 10 minutes.
But you need to cross the road twice from the listed parking, so please take care particulary with young children.
At stage 1 (Which is also the listed coords), study the village sign and answer the questions below.
How many Church spires can be seen on the sign? = A
Stay on the same side of the road and walk down to the Bridge, which is stage 2.
What date in October 1926 was the bridge opened? = BC
Now cross over the road to stage 3.
On the History Society plaque,
Mills have stood in the grounds since the early 1Dth century?
Now go to stage 4.
W.M.G.B.
S
EF
N52°2(E+F).(D)(A+B+C)(A)
W002°0(D+F).(E-B)(C)(C)
As a check you have the right information, the total of all the numbers is 16
If anybody would like to expand this series please do. I would just ask that you let Smokeypugs know first so they can keep track of the Village Sign numbers and names to avoid duplication.