The above co-ordinates are not for the cache but for an information
board in Abbey Fields. To find this cache answer the questions
below using any of the information boards located in Abbey
Fields.
In what year did parts of the Abbey remains get covered with soil
for their own protection? 19BA
How many years was the Abbey home to a community of Augustinian
canons? over C00
In what year did the Pope raise the status of this Priory to an
Abbey? D44E?
In what year did Abbot Simon Jeykes sign over the Abbey to King
Henry VIII? 15F8
The cache is located at N 52° 20.ABC W 001° 35.DEF.
Note: The cache has changed location again (20th Sept 2009). This
area should be less popular but a bit more walking is required to
get here from the barn.
Parking can be found in the free car park off Bridge Street. There
is also limited on-street parking in High Street and Forrest Road.
This cache is in a popular place (especially with dog walkers), so
stealth is required. Replace carefully to minimise muggling! This
can be done in conjunction with
"Gate House" and
"Abbey Fields".
About Abbey Fields
Kenilworth’s main park is set in the dramatic valley of the Finham
Brook and enjoys views of the historic town, the castle and the
parish church. Grassy slopes, the lake, historic buildings, old
trees and hedges recall Abbey Fields’ past – the farmland of St.
Mary’s Abbey, whose ruins adjoin the park. For more information
about Abbey Fields see the
Warwick District Council website.
About Friends of Abbey Fields
The Friends of Abbey Fields formed in 2002 with the aim of helping
Warwick District Council to care for Abbey Fields. The group
currently has a committee of 7 people and over 100 members who are
all keen to preserve the unique character of Abbey Fields. All the
Friends of Abbey Fields activities in the Abbey Fields are
undertaken with the support of Warwick District Council, and many
of their projects are carried out in partnership with them. For
more information about Friends of Abbey Fields see the
Friends of
Abbey Fields website.
About the Abbey of St. Mary
The great medieval abbey of St. Mary once dominated Abbey Fields in
the heart of Kenilworth, Warwickshire. A house of Augustinian
canons was founded as a Priory by Geoffrey de Clinton in 1119 and
dedicated to St. Mary the Virgin. The canons were fully ordained
priests who lived in a monastic community and took vows of poverty,
chastity and obedience. It became one of the richest monasteries in
Warwickshire and its importance was recognised by the Pope, who
raised it to the status of Abbey in 1447. Its abbey church was
twice as long as the Parish church of St Nicholas, hidden behind
it. St. Mary’s Abbey has been reduced to sparse ruins by King Henry
VIII and nearly four centuries of neglect. For more information
about the Abbey of St. Mary see the
Kenilworth Augustian Abbey
website.
Nearby is Kenilworth Castle – Magnificent red sandstone ruins,
which date back to Norman times (an English Heritage property).