Constable’s Rood Traditional Cache
Red Duster: As the owner has not responded to my previous log requesting that they check this cache I am permanently archiving it.
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Andy
Red Duster
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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This plot of land is known as Constable’s Rood and it is owned by Swavesey Parish Council. The origin of the name “Constable’s Rood” can be found in the 18th Century history of Swavesey when this quarter of an acre of land (rood), was allocated to the Village Constable to grow vegetables or keep livestock.
Records show that Swavesey had a Constable in 1734, but the post of Constable certainly existed in the middle ages. The earliest named Constables we can find for Swavesey were Berry Wayman and William Harvey both appointed in 1736. Constables were originally a manorial appointment and then later parochial. The primary purpose what to maintain the kings peace within the parish, but their sundry duties also included the upkeep of the stocks; inspection of Ale Houses; the suppression of Gaming Houses; to interact with itinerant strangers and beggars; presentation of parishioners who did not attend church regularly; assistance with shipwrecks and care of the parish bull.
The last Constable was Ern Prior who ended the tradition about 1937 when he became a special constable. There is no record of what he was paid, in anything, but he, like all Constables before him, was given the use of a quarter of an acre of Parish land where he could grow his own vegetables or keep chickens – thus the Constables’ Rood.
Over the past 20 years or so the Rood became an eyesore of dumped cars, falling down sheds, corrugated sheeting and mounds of rubbish.
The Rood Awakening project was initiated by a small group of volunteers. Before work was started the Conservation Group of South Cambridgeshire District Council were invited to survey the site. Once the all clear was given the project team set about the task of agreeing the objectives, obtaining funds, involving the local community and finally getting down to work.
The habitat objectives for Constable’s Rood were to create a butterfly corner, wildflower meadow, log pile (small mammals and insects) and rock pile (lizards and mammals), bird nesting boxes and a wet and a boggy area.
For the village the objective was to create a pleasant place to stop-by and enjoy the wild flowers and have a sit down in a peaceful environment.
The Cache holds small items as well as a LogBook and Pen.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Qba'g or FGHZCRQ ng guvf cbvag
Treasures
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