The Fox Hole Traditional Geocache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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The cache isn't designed to be too difficult, as it's my first attempt. It is hidden at Ellisfield Castle which is an earthwork not far from the pub. The path is a well-used bridleway which may be muddy after rain.
Firstly, a thousand thanks to Anna and Steve of Team Paradise, who helped me get this cache together. I couldn't have done it without you.
Limited parking is available at N51.12.285 W01.05.801 - the start of the bridleway. You may prefer to use the pub car park (on the other side of the pub). The Fox is a free house which does decent food as well as a good selection of beers. There has been a public house hereabouts for hundreds of years.
The cache is a brown ammo box with the official geocaching sticker. Please be careful to re-hide it well, as this looks like quite a popular location. When placed it contained a reasonable assortment of nice things, including a childrens' story on cassette and some geocaching.com merchandise. There is a disposable camera for you to take a picture if you like. I'll get the film developed and put the pictures up on the web when it's full.
When the castle was built, and what for nobody seems to know. It could be either Iron Age or from the Civil War. All that remains now is the raised bank surrounding 4 acres of field. In spring, bluebells grow all around it, creating a splendid display. There's also a great view of rural Hampshire from the nearby field at the top of the hill.
The footpath opposite the pub leads over the field to the medieval village church, St Martin's, about half a mile away (N51.12.542 W01.05.241). It was built in the latter part of the 13th century and extensively restored in 1872 for the princely sum of £500.00. One of the church’s claims to fame is the weathervane, which originated at Long Ditton Church. This is reputed to be in the shape of a louse, though a more prosaic explanation has been offered that it is a pineapple on its side. Most people prefer the former story and various versions of how it came about are told.
All Saint’s Church, in a field which now forms part of the grounds of Brocas, is forgotten, except for the name Hallowed Litton on the map. This is the church described in the Domesday Book. For some years there were two churches, until the Black Death caused the village population to fall to 9 and All Saints was closed. Foundations of wall and graves have been found in what is now an orchard. The site is indicated only by a vague step in the ground level. (SU636461)
Today, Ellisfield has around 300 residents. And plenty of wild garlic to ward off the plague!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Haqre n snyyra ybt arne na benatr zbhaq.