This cache is at the published coordinates however it is
listed as a puzzle because there are logging requirements. The
cache is based around Norton Priory, the gardens and woodland
around Norton Priory have permissive access so you can visit them
at any time of day (without paying an entrance fee), however the
site is of historical and environmental value so the cache is not
hidden in the grounds of Norton Priory but I want you to visit the
area and not miss out. There is plenty to see and do here. Some of
the things have opening times and require and entrance fee. The
waypoints for the logging requirement are available at all times
and do not require any payment.
Norton Priory
Norton priory was founded in 1115 and HenryVIII disbanded it in
1536. It has the largest medievil statue in Britain the St
Christopher statue, at 3.37 metres. For info and opneing times see
here . You don't need to
go in to log the cache!
The Walled Garden
The 2½ acre Walled Garden was built between 1757 and 1770 for the
Brooke family, the owners of Norton Priory. When the Brookes left
Norton Priory, it became neglected and overgrown, until work began
in 1980 by Runcorn Development Corporation to reclaim it. I have
never been in but I have often looked wistfully through the gates!
If anyone goes in I would love to see pictures on the cache page.
This is not a logging requirement as you have to pay to get in!
Norton Ice House The Ice House at Norton Priory is well
preserved. Ice Houses were very popular with rich households from
the seventeenth century. It has a domed chamber that is sunk into
the ground and a manmade mound of earth over the top. There was
also a drain for melt water underneath. Ice was collected in the
winter and would be stored in the Ice House until it was needed by
the kitchen. The ice would be collected from a nearby pond or from
the Bridgewater canal. The ice house was used as an airraid shelter
in the Second World War. I have been inside the ice house and it
really is like a tardis. It's massive inside. Its certainly worth
timing your visit for when the ice house is open, especially as you
don't have to pay to see it!
The Pear Orchard This must have looked lovely in its
heyday. It was neglected for many years but now it's being
restored. Adjacent to the pair orchard is the Wildflower
Meadow.
The Ha-Ha Wall
The things you learn through Geocaching! I never knew what the Ha
Ha wall was really but when I met Phil when he found the cache he
explained it to me. The
Ha Ha
Wall is to the right of the Wildflower Meadow.
To Log This Cache
(1) In your log, take a picture of the vault and include it in
your log, if you have no camera thats ok, send me an email telling
me how many "mesh steps" the vault has. When I set the cache there
was a plaque telling you about the vault but incredibly it was
muggled before the FTF got there, so I had to change this
requirement! The coordinates for the vault are in the waypoints
below. If you come from the recommended parking you can't miss
it!
(2) In your log include a picture of the ice house (inside or
outside), or send me an email telling me when the pear orchard
dates from, the info board gives you a decade not a year. Once
again I will emphasise that the pear orchard and the ice house
exterior are always accessible and you don't have to pay an
entrance fee!