Katherine's Cross
Ampthill Park has great panoramic views over Marston Vale as well as woodland dating back to the 15th century.
In 1524 a “Royal Honour”, an act of parliament was bestowed on Ampthill and many other Bedfordshire villages. King Henry VIII also tried to create a huge palace estate between Ampthill and Clophill known as the “Honour of Ampthill”.
Ampthill Park was a favourite hunting ground of Henry VIII whilst staying at Ampthill Castle, which, unfortunately is no longer standing. Katherine of Aragon was imprisoned at Ampthill Castle whilst waiting for the divorce from Henry she never wanted. Today Katherine’s Cross marks the site where Ampthill Castle once stood.
Whilst searching for your 3rd clue you will be able to see Park House, the grounds having been landscaped by ‘Capability Brown’. During the 1914-18 war the park was used as a training camp and during the 2nd World War housed a prisoner of war camp. Evidence of military activity can be seen in the field just outside the park, near to clue 4.
All the stages of this Geocache are within Ampthill Park. At the end of your walk if you have young children that still have energy to burn after there is a Children’s playground at N52° 02.001 W0° 30.035, just a short walk from the final cache location, or why not visit the Historic Market Town of Ampthill.
The start co-ordinates at the top of the page (N52° 01.958 W00° 30.138) take you to one of several parking areas you could use, alternatively if this car park is full you can either park in one of the laybys along the road (please take care, the road can be very busy at times) or you could park at N52° 01.962 W0° 30.498
There are 5 clues. These can be done in any order, but we would recommend that you do them in the order shown as this is probably the shortest route. You should expect a walk of around 1.5 to 2 miles.
1) Your first clue can be found at N52° 01.957 W0° 30.378
4A5B40
2) Now move on to N52° 02.076 W0° 30.454
Johannes Comes de Upper Offory Pofuit 17CD
3) Your next clue is at N52° 02.240 W0° 30.478
Here you should find an old piece of rusty chain attached to one of the old gate posts. Count the number of links in the chain. Take care to inclued all the thinks and none of the nails/staples that hold the chain to the post. Subtract 3 from the number of links to get E
4) There are 3 locations to the next clue:
N52° 02.217 W0° 29.831
N52° 02.193 W0° 29.876
N52° 02.170 W0° 29.890
Visit each location. At each of the 3 locations you should find a tall object. Each object has two small discs nailed to it. One of the two discs has a number, the other a letter. Add the 3 numbers together. The result is F. It may be difficult to see the wood for the trees.
5) Go to N52° 02.076 W0° 29.919
Around the top of the top window there are a number of small stones.
There are also G larger stones.
There are H chimney stacks.
6) The cache can now be found at
N52° AH . A[C+H]F W0° [E-F][G+H] . BE[E-D]
You are looking for a one litre plastic clip lock container.