LQ:Bristol - Clifton Down Traditional Geocache
Phillimore Clan: We visited the cache today and as reported the tree has fallen over and sadly we could find no sign of the cache or more importantly the Midgit Geo-Fossil that was placed in the cache when the tree was half over [V]. As it is no longer possible to hide a cache at this location we are archiving it, but have also hidden a replacement which hopefully should be live soon.
Many thanks to all who visited and for all your nice logs.
LQ:Bristol - Clifton Down
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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There is an Iron Age hill fort at Clifton Camp on Observatory Hill on the down, and there are remnants of an Iron Age or Roman field system between Ladies Mile and Bristol Zoo. The Roman road from Bath to Sea Mills crossed the Downs near Stoke Road, and a short length is visible as a slightly raised grassy bank.
In the Middle Ages Clifton Down was the commons of pasture for the manor of Clifton. In 1676 and 1686 the manor of Clifton was purchased by the Society of Merchant Venturers. During the 18th century Clifton became a fashionable summer spa, and Clifton Down was increasingly used for recreation. There were also lead mines in the 18th century, which account for the bumpy surface in the area by Upper Belgrave Road known as the Dumps. A gibbet was erected opposite the end of Gallows Acre Lane (now known as Pembroke Road)
By the mid 19th century Clifton Down ceased to be used for grazing. Clifton became a desirable place to live, and large houses were built close to Clifton Down. Bristol Corporation became concerned at the threat to this public amenity, and in 1861 promoted an Act of Parliament, under which the Society of Merchant Venturers undertook to secure Clifton Down for public enjoyment free of charge.
Since 1861 Clifton Down has been managed, with Durdham Down, by the Downs Committee, a joint committee of the Society of Merchant Venturers and Bristol Corporation, which owns Durdham Down. The committee appoints a Downs Ranger to oversee the Downs.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Vafvqr na byq ybarfbzr unjgubea gerr