GC3B80G Stanecastle Keep (Traditional Cache) in Southern Scotland, United Kingdom created by Super Collectors

This cache has been archived.

Lorgadh: As the owner has not responded to my previous log requesting that they check this cache I am archiving it.

If you wish to email me please send your email via my profile (click on my name) and quote the cache name and number.

Lorgadh

Volunteer UK Reviewer - geocaching.com
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GC3B80G ▼

A cache by Super Collectors Message this owner

Hidden : 1/21/2012

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: micro (micro)

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Geocache Description:

As it's name suggests this cache is near to the Stanecastle Keep in Irvine. It's an easy one so won't have you stamping your feet or turning red with frustration.

Please use the waypointed parking not the driveway in front of the cache.

The original castle on this site was built by the Francis family around 1417.

In the middle-ages the lands of Stane gave way to the ever expanding Eglinton Castle Estate and William Francis of Stane passed these lands over to the Earls of Eglinton in the 15th century.

The present castle is thought to have been built in 1520 by Montgomerie of Greenfield but was converted into a folly by the 10th Earl of Eglinton in 1750. The four open and four closed pointed windows were added at this time and were just for appearances. On the west side an armorial panel stone with the Earl of Eglinton's arms was also put in place. Whoever carved this got it wrong as the signet rings and fleur de lis were carved upside down. A similar error can be found on a similar sized armorial panel now located in the quadrangle of Eglinton Country Park. That one has the symbols the right way up but they have been placed in the wrong quarters.

A Ley tunnel is said to run from Stanecastle to Eglinton Castle and Seagate in Irvine and another is said to run from Stanecastle to Dundonald. Some evidence for this was found by workmen at in the 19th century who found the remains of a subterranean passage.

The structure was more recently stabilised and repaired by the Irvine Development Corporation. The Montgomery Society of Scotland also attempted to purchase it as their clan headquarters and planned to turn it into a museum, but these plans came to nothing.

Today the grounds of the Keep are free to access however the area is heavily overgrown in all areas except for around the structure itself.

Opposite the keep is the Stanecastle gate, a considerably younger structure but inkeeping with the overall design of the area.

The orientation of this gateway was changed in the 20th Century. It once marked the southern entrance to the huge Eglinton Castle estate, now the Eglinton Country Park.

A record exists for the rare Rusty-Back Fern growing on the walls of the castle in the early 1900s. A search in 2002 didn't find it (something else to go looking for!?).

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Va gur cbfg.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)