GC1TPGF Pen Bal Crag (Traditional Cache) in North East England, United Kingdom created by The Grabies

This cache has been archived.

Dalesman: This cache has been unavailable for a considerable period and as the owner has not responded to logs I am archiving it.

Guidelines:[i] "As the cache owner, you are also responsible for physically checking your cache periodically, and especially when someone reports a problem with the cache (missing, damaged, wet, etc.). You may temporarily disable your cache to let others know not to hunt for it until you have a chance to fix the problem. This feature is to allow you a reasonable time - normally a few weeks - in which to arrange a visit to your cache. In the event that a cache is not being properly maintained, or has been temporarily disabled for an extended period of time, we may archive the listing."[/i]

If you wish to email me please send your email via my profile (click on my name) and quote the cache name and number.

Many thanks,
DalesmanX

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UK Geocaching Information & Resources http://www.follow-the-arrow.co.uk
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GC1TPGF ▼

A cache by The Grabies Message this owner

Hidden : 6/14/2009

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: small (small)

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Geocache Description:

This cache is located on the perimiter of Tynemouth Priory and Castle. PLEASE NOTE You do not need to enter the grounds of the Castle to retrieve this cache. But by all means take a visit, it is a fascinating place with a long and varied history.

The cache is a small tupperware container easily accessible from the footpath which takes you down to Tynemouth Pier. The Pier is not always open but well worth a walk along on a nice day.

On release the cache contained a logbook, some swaps and a TB for the FTF.

The cache location is at the bottom of a hill which is fairly steep so wheelchair access could be a little difficult and for bike riders you will certainly want to choose a low gear to get back up to the top.

There are two car parks near the cache location which are clearly signposted.

Priory and Castle History:

Set in an almost impregnable position on a steep headland between the river and the North Sea, Tynemouth has always been as much a fortress as a religious site.

Here stood a 7th-century Anglian monastery, burial place of Oswin, sainted King of Northumbria. After its destruction by Danish raiders, the present Benedictine priory was refounded on its site in c. 1090.

The towering east end of the priory church, built in c. 1200 with slender lancet windows and soaring arches, still survives almost to its full height, dominating the headland. Beyond it stands a small but complete and exceptionally well-preserved chapel, with a rose window and an ornately sculpted roof vault. This was built in the mid-15th century as a chantry for the souls of the powerful Percy family, Earls of Northumberland.

Enclosing both headland and monastery, and still surviving in part, were the strong walls which once made Tynemouth among the largest fortified areas in England, and an important bastion against the Scots.

Probably begun by Edward I in 1296, they were strengthened and updated in the 15th century. Thus when the priory's 19 monks surrendered Tynemouth to Henry VIII in 1539, it was immediately adopted as a royal castle. Thereafter the fortress headland continued to play its centuries-old part in coastal defence, both against Napoleon and during the two World Wars. The restored magazine of its gun battery can be seen at weekends.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Oruvaq gur cvyy obk

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)