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Prittlewell Camp Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

grimmerscotting: Sorry people, tried 3 different locations and it just keeps getting muggled, it's a shame but I'm taking this one down now.

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Hidden : 4/7/2009
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
2 out of 5

Size: Size:   small (small)

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Geocache Description:

Prittlewell Camp is a late Bronze Age or early Iron Age (8th to 5th century BC) hill fort with extensive views across the Roach valley.

From what I have been able to find out, this type of hill fort is rare and surviving examples are of national importance. The purpose of this particular example is not yet known. Roughly elliptical, it measures 800ft (243 meters) from North to South and 650ft (198 meters) from East to West.

The southern arc of the earthwork survives as a substantial bank, the northern perimeter shows up as a low rise in an arable field. To the east of the circular earthwork lies a Green Lane running down into the Roach Valley which is probably of medieval origin, if you follow this path you will find another of my caches, "Mr. Smithers Cache" (GC1J4GN).

Much of the original enclosure has been ploughed, but the best-preserved area, the south-western corner, still retains a clearly defined ditch and ramparts. From the bottom of the ditch to the top of the rampart is at least six feet in some places.

In the south-eastern corner there is a raised mound, about six feet high, (known locally as 'The Look-out') of medieval origin possibly a windmill mound. Apparently it was reused as the base for a concrete and brick structure during WWII.

Although this can be done as a cache and dash, please take time to explore the area and enjoy the views and, if you visit at the time we placed the cache i.e. early evening, you may be lucky and see a bird of pray hunting the plentiful supply of rabbits that inhabit the site today.

Parking is available nearby at either Waitrose or B&Q , just be careful when you cross the road.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Avpxanzr sbe crbcyr jvgu fubeg yrtf.

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)