IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD TO THIS SERIES, PLEASE CONTACT THE SERIES OWNER (SEE BELOW)
We are often told (correctly, if somewhat ideologically), that geocaches should take us to somewhere "interesting", and not simply be placed just for the sake of it. The aim of this series is to try and adhere to this ideal by basing caches around details given on an Information Board about the area in which it is situated. By definition, it is hoped that this information will be "interesting", and will help the cacher discover things about the area that would often not be revealed by a traditional cache.
The Local area around Stoney Stanton has an active Geocaching community with nearly 300 live caches within a 4 mile radius. The area is easily accessible via the M69 junction 2 coming from the North and Junction 1 coming from the South
The initial coordinates will take you HERE to the information boards
THERE IS NO NEED TO ENTER ANY QUARRY TO GAIN THIS CACHE. THEY ARE WELL FENCED IN WITH WARNING SIGNS TO KEEP US AWAY FROM THE DEEP AND VERY COLD WATER. REMEMBER THIS INFORMATION LATER WHEN LOOKING FOR THE CACHE.
Stoney Stanton was first mentioned in The Doomsday Book in 1086 -
"Robert the Bursar holds in STANTONE 6 caracutes of land. Land for [? ploughs], 7 villagers with 3 smallholders have 3 ploughs; 4 free man; meadow, 12 acres; woodland 3 furlongs long and 1 furlong wide. The value was and is 20s. "
This was the first written record , but in fact this land had been recognised for its stone as far back as Roman times as it is believed that some of the local quarries date back at least as far as that. There are records of a Roman villa and bath house in the adjoining village of Sapcote from 1st century AD.
Stoney Stanton is set on rocky outcrops of igneous rock, granodiorite, a fact which has had its influence on its history and in fact on its name! Even in the eighteenth century, Parish records show that gravel and stone were being removed from Carey (an old name for quarry) Hill in the centre of the village. Later, in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the demand for this stone was such that the quarries were extended and developed for its valuable stone. The stones were ideal for sets and blocks and very durable. The last quarry closed in 1958.
To this day you can see local quarried stone in some of the older buildings in Stoney Stanton
At GZ are two very informative history boards that have been put together by the local historical group. They not only give you facts and figures but also show photos and highlight the social history in this village. Have a browse and then find the answers to help you work out your next waypoint that leads to the cache.
|
NOW LETS USE THE INFO BOARDS TO WORK OUT YOUR NEW GPS OR WAYPOINT
What date did Hall's Close quarry close? ---- = ABCD
How many engines were used in the quarries in Stoney Stanton? answer =E
Look at Map. What 3 digit whole number is printed at the top of the drawing of Carey Hill Quarry? --- = FGH
How many men were listed as engine drivers in the 1881 census? Answer = I
You can see two photos of a Mr .......? Norton who was a skilled sett maker. Count the letters in his first name = J
N52 J(F+A) . (C-D)(B-E)(B)
W001 (E-I)(J+F+A) . (FxJ)(H+D)(GxG)
Please be aware that at School and work times final Cache location can be very busy with children and parents constantly passing by
|
I hope that you find this an interesting variation on the caching experience.For a full list of all FYI caches in the series, please go to https://www.geocaching.com/bookmarks/view.aspx?code=BM4RZ8H do you know of any interesting / informative Information Boards? (I'm sure you do!). If you'd like to contribute to the continued expansion of the FYI series, please contact the Series Owner, Airtomoreira, either via the Geocaching website, or at fyigeocaching@outlook.com for a series number, and some general guidelines on placement and the cache description page.
👍👍👍⚓️Congratulations! Vinyl Pirates were First To Find!⚓️👍👍👍