M is for Moravian Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

Inishanier: Hi,

There has been no response from the cache owner so I'm Archiving this cache.

It may be possible to reactivate this cache. If you wish to do so please contact me via my profile and quote the Geocaching.com ID for the cache so I know which one you are referring to.

Please be aware that reactivation is not guaranteed and will depend on individual circumstances.

Many thanks,

Graham

Inishanier - Volunteer Reviewer for Geocaching.com (Ireland)

More
Hidden : 2/18/2009
Difficulty:
2.5 out of 5
Terrain:
2 out of 5

Size: Size: other (other)

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Geocache Description:


The cache is placed in the Moravian Village of Gracehill which lies to the west of Ballymena

The settlement of Gracehill was founded by the Moravians in 1765 and was Northern Ireland's First Conservation area. Life in the village nowadays is, of course, very different to the 18th century, but the layout of the buildings and the unique Georgian style of architecture remain very much the same.

The Moravian Church remains central to the village, facing the square and flanked by the Manse and the Warden's House. The Brothers and Sisters Walks, on either side of the Church, meet at the burial ground or "Gods Acre", which is still in use today. This burial ground had a strict layout. Men were buried to the left and women to the right of a central path. All the headstones were of the same shape and design - the Moravians believe that everyone is equal in death - and were laid almost flat on the ground. Because they lie so flat to the ground, many of the headstones in Gracehill are covered with moss and hard to read. Some cannot be read at all. The average size of a headstone is only 20x35cm... roughly the size of an A4 page
One major difference to most other graveyards though is that there is only one body and one name to each grave. Another notable difference around "God's Acre" is the absence of grandiose mausolea and tombs housing the bodies of wealthy, important or influencial families. In the belief that in death all are equal, you will find only plain simple headstones here no matter who is buried beneath.
There are just a couple of exceptions to the single name policy on headstones. One of these commemorates James Thompson and his two sons, Scott and Charles. Charles was lost on HMS Vanguard in July 1917 and Scott fell in France the following month. Niether of the sons have a proper grave and so it was thought appropriate that they should be remembered on their father's headstone.
Another headstone which breaks with the tradition belongs to two sisters who died within a few days of each other in the 1860s. Their deaths caused some excitement in the village and rumours went around that they had been poisoned by the village doctor who had his eye on their house!
Their bodies were exhumed (which only happened at night by candlelight) and organs were sent to Belfast for examination. The report that came back confirmed that poison had indeed been found in the bodies. Both the doctor and his servant were tried for murder but they were acquitted.

In the 18th century the village was highly structured, all the inhabitants belonging to the Church. They were divided into different groups or “Choirs” each with specific duties and dwellings places, hence for example, the single brethren and sisters’ houses and the widows’ cottages.

The residents followed trades and crafts for the benefit of the settlement and in return were provided with a home and the essentials of life. The intention was that the settlement should be self-sufficient and support its local evangelical work.

The Moravians were renowned for their high standard of education and there were for sometime, day and boarding schools for both boys and girls.

Gracehill was designated a Conservation Area in 1975 and has won many awards including the Europa Nostra Award.

The cache itself is a small magnetic container with only a log so bring a pencil to record your visit
Suggested parking is close to the church but do take time to look around this very picturesque village.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Abg jurer lbh jbhyq rkcrpg gb svaq n zntargvp pnpur ohg qba'g or fghzcrq.

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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