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White Rock Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

cheesescones: Seems to be missing again. This one has been going for more than a decade so sad to say it's time to put it to bed.

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Hidden : 6/6/2009
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size:   small (small)

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Geocache Description:

A generous micro cache near the site of the old White Rock copper works.

Swansea's history as "Copperopolis" is richly deserved, by 1800 nine copper smelters were in production in the valley. By 1860 the lower Swansea valley was smelting two thirds of the copper ores imported to Britain, and changes in the output and economy of the Swansea valley had a significant effect on global copper prices.

This cache is placed near what remains of the White Rock, Morfa and Hafod Copper Works which also happens to be near a scenic walk along the Tawe, a Park and Ride, some shops and Swansea's new Liberty Stadium (initially referred to as White Rock Stadium prior to opening).

The White Rock Copper Works were established in the Lower Swansea Valley in 1737 by John Hoblyn. The works were operated by Thomas Coster and Company. The company was renamed c1739 as Joseph Percivall and Copper Company and they operated the works until 1764 at which date the company was re-formed as John Freeman and Copper Company. From c1870 the works worked lead and silver and were operated by Williams, Foster and Company and Vivian and Sons until 1874, Vivian and Sons from c1874 until 1924, and British Copper Manufacturers' Limited 1924-1928.

Not much remains of White Rock on the Pentrechwyth side of the river (what does is best seen in aerial shots), but remains of buildings remain on the Landore side, but take care around them! The cache is placed within the Hafod works remains and you will be able to see the Vivian and Musgrave Engine houses, and a chimney. They are Grade II listed buildings. In the Park and Ride you can see the remains on the Morfa Copper works.

Parking is available at the Landore Park and Ride (for a charge) or at Landore Social Club. It's a short walk from either location but please note that the road between the two is for buses only, annoyingly, so you need to approach the social club from the small turning off Neath road (on the right after Pentre Mawr or first left if coming from the roundabout) which takes you under the railway line. This doesn't show on the map but is clearer on satellite.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Guveq gerr va ba gur evtug, abg ng tebhaq yriry. Ghegyr gho va n pnzb ont.

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)