I was travelling back from caching to the south of Melton Constable and found myself on an unfamiliar road. Ahead of me in the distance, and with a back drop of trees was this wonderful church. I wasn’t entirely sure where I was, and had no idea what church I was looking, at but I had to go and investigate. It was locked but after a glimpse through the windows I knew I had to go and get the key so I could go inside. I then spent a wonderful 45 minutes reading the memorials and exploring the church.
History of the Church
The church is of late Saxon or Norman parish church with a central tower, crossing and sanctuary. There is a medieval wooden shutter in one of the windows on the south wall, as well as a small alcove seat and a book-rest.
The church was extensively refashioned in the 15th century, when the chancel was rebuilt, the south transept demolished and replaced by a flat wall, and then in the 17th century the Hastings mausoleum was built.
Having obtained the keys, I entered though the vestry door in the north transept, and found myself facing the stained-glass window depicting the crucifixion It seemed out of place in the small interior. From the vestry I moved into the small nave which is adorned with outrageously grand fixtures and fittings. Above the stone chancel arch is an enormous double arch separated by a huge central pillar. To the south of the nave, elevated and accessed by a massive staircase, is the Hastings mausoleum. Painted white, it gives the impression of a state room. This, and the nave, are packed with about twenty Astley memorials, all detailing grand lives, family history and often unfortunate deaths.
I strongly recommend a look inside as a glimpse through the windows only gives a small indication of the treasures it holds. The keys are available from either of the church wardens or the vicar, and their numbers are listed on the main noticeboard.
The Cache
The listed coordinates will take you to the church entrance where you need to find the following information:
How many large black hinges are there? A
How many symbols/images are on the semi circular arch above the entrance? B
How many panels of glass are there in the window above the door? C
How many arched bricks are there in each of the two rows surrounding the semi circular panel above the door D
How many small pillars can you see to the left of the door? E
How many panels of glass are in the noticeboard to the right of the door? F
The cache can be found at:
N52 50.(A+B) (A+C) E
E001 01.(B+F) (D-F) (A+E)
You are looking for a regular sized screw top container. It is big enough to take trackables and coins. There is a pen in the pot but in case the cold weather prevents it from working please bring your own!
Please play the game and sign the log otherwise I may delete your entry.
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For full information on how you can expand the Church Micro series by sadexploration please read the Place your own Church Micro page before you contact him at churchmicro.co.uk
See also the Church Micro Statistics and Home pages for further information about the series.
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