Firestone Bay Artillery Tower Traditional Cache
Lindinis: As the owner has not responded to my previous log requesting that they check this cache I am archiving it.
If you would like me to consider unarchiving it you will need to address any problems that has lead to the archiving first. If you wish to email me please send your email via my profile (click on my name) and quote the [b]cache name and number.[/b]
Lindinis - Groundspeak Volunteer Reviewer
Firestone Bay Artillery Tower
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Size: 
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A 35mm film pot positioned close to Artillery Tower in Firestone Bay.
Firestone Bay Artillery Tower dates from the early 1500's, and is one of the oldest complete military buildings on Plymouth's sea front. This tower protected the deep water passage at the North of Plymouth sound, between Drake's Island and the main water front.
Piers Edgecumbe acquired most of the land of the then 'City of Stonehouse' by his marriage to the heiress to the estate - Joan Durnford. He was granted license to improve and fortify the land by Henry VIII in 1539. The tower was one of the fortifications, along with a city wall, to protect Stonehouse from attack by seaborne raiders. The lowest gun-ports in the tower (now blocked) were designed to enable the defenders' cannon to inflict maximum damage on enemy ships.
These improvements and fortifications were a wise precaution. For in 1544 France turned her energies from Spain towards England. Then, in 1588 the tower would have been the only permanent defence against the Spanish Armada.
In the 1660's, Charles II built the Royal Citadel on the Hoe with gun positions pointing at Plymouth and the sea, so the Tower's role began to diminish.
In Worth's 1884 document, ‘The History of Plymouth’ the Artillery Tower was briefly named ‘The Winter Villa’ when it was a police house. It has also been a coastguard station, Ministry of Defence store and a public convenience! Conversion to a restaurant was in 1983. The Artillery Tower is one of the most preserved fortifications of Tudor times.
Parking is recommended at the free car park at Devil’s Point. Please note that the parking area next to the tower is for customers of the kiosk only so unless you want to arm yourselves with ice creams don’t park here! From the parking area, walk along to the tower, past the kiosk and follow the path that runs in front of Nazareth House care home. You will see a set of steps leading down to the rocks below. The film container is hidden underneath some undergrowth next to one of the stone arches. Please see the spoiler pictures. There is a lady who sunbathes nearby (even in January!) and she has become our "cache guardian". She is harmless and friendly and will even point out where the cache is if you happen to meet her. We haven't had the opportunity yet, but hope to do so soon!
There are great views from here but please watch children and dogs as the area can get slippery and the currents are strong. Unfortunately, the area seems popular with litter bugs and not very considerate dog owners too so try and ignore that while you enjoy the scenery!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Va haqretebjgu, EUF bs oevpx nepu
Treasures
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