St Nicholas’ Church ~ Godstone (Surrey)
A
cache
by whiskywhiskymac
Hidden:
3/29/2007
Size:
 (Small)
Difficulty: 
Terrain: 
(1 is easiest, 5 is hardest)
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Godstone is a picture postcard village set around a large green
with a pond at one corner. Unfortunately the scene is spoilt by
busy roads – however once you stray away from the traffic there is
much to be seen.
The village is comparatively recent – growing out of the leather
industry of the Elizabethan period. Later Godstone became known for
its iron works and the manufacture of gunpowder. The area was
originally called Wachelstede during Saxon times – derived from the
literal translation “fulling place” which refers to the Fullers
earth that is still to be found here. It is believed that the
current name is also derived from the ground – praising the quality
of the soil on which the village stands, God’s stone.
An unexpected and peaceful offshoot of the main village of
Godstone is the setting for the cache. The beautiful enclave of
Church Town is set around the church of St Nicholas. This can be
reached by either parking at 51º14.797N 000º03.445W next to the
church; or on the village green at 51°14.842N 000°04.045W and then
taking the pleasant walk past the Bay Pond to reach the hamlet.
St Nicolas’ is set on a grassy knoll – beside a peaceful country
lane, with a cluster of pretty cottages. Next to the church is St
Mary’s Chapel and also St Mary’s Homes. These almshouses which,
despite their appearance, were built in the 19th century from
designs by local architect Sir Gilbert Scott, who was also
responsible for the Albert Memorial, St Pancras Station and the one
time ubiquitous ‘red’ telephone box. The homes consist of eight
flats for elderly people, the Warden’s house and a Chapel. Over the
years they have been maintained by a slender income made up from a
small endowment fund and donations from local residents. No income
is received from the State or Local Authorities.
In the churchyard of St Nicholas’ is the grave of Edmund Seyfang
Taylor better known as ‘Walker Miles’. The grave takes the form of
a sarsen stone – with two intricately designed brass plaques
holding memorials to this pioneer of recreational walking and
rambling clubs. One epitaph strikes a chill to the heart of every
rambler – “This is the bourne to which the footpath led, this is
the spot uncharted in his works”. It is also particularly fitting
that there is a footpath leading through this tranquil churchyard –
giving today’s walkers the opportunity to explore further afield.
The cache is near this sandstone monument to Walker Miles. Please
take time to explore the church, graveyard and the village – but do
be respectful of the inhabitants.
Contents of the cache when placed (second time around): Geocaching
pin, 'Supermum' trolley token, log book and pencil. the container
is not as big before and will now hold small TBs.
Additional Hints (
Decrypt
)
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)
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Va gur pyhgpurf bs n unjgubea gerr.
(Decrypted Hints)
Find...
 Godstone016.JPG
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