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Historic Swansea 2 Multi-Cache

This cache has been archived.

Keturah: Time to archive this series and leave it open for other cachers to make new caches around the city centre :)

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Hidden : 12/13/2009
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
2 out of 5

Size: Size:   small (small)

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Geocache Description:


**Cache moved 12/5/11**

Series of virtual caches taking in interesting sites from Swansea's history, culminating in a final physical cache.

I have placed another Multi Cache taking in many of the city centre's historic buildings, this second cache includes buildings following a different route running West-East (ish) rather than North-South. The clues are all a terrain rating of 1, but the approach to the final cache location is part way up a steep little road


The route should take you along St Helen's Road and into the city centre and Oxford Street, then north to the Kingsway and Alexandra Road before heading off to the final location.

There is on street parking in various spots along St. Helen's Road and up side streets near the clues, for the town clues you could park in the car park right next to it (for a charge) or any other city centre parking. There is parking on Alexandra Road in front of the Glynn Vivian for the final clues, but it's very limited and mostly 1hr only.

The Clues:

Brangwyn Hall
One of few Grade I listed buildings in Swansea (the others being Swansea Castle and Oystermouth Castle), Brangwyn Hall (or, The Guildhall) sees weddings, political meetings, Graduation ceremonies, performances and even rock concerts (I saw Manic Street Preachers there in 2004). It opened on 23 October 1934 and was named after the artist Frank Brangwyn, whose famous "panels", originally intended for the House of Lords (but apparently rejected as being too colourful and lively) , are displayed there.
Clue: When was the tree planted to commemorate the World Summit on Sustainable Development? 4th December 200A

Miah's (St. Paul's Church)
A lovely Indian Restaurant in a converted Church!
Clue:When did Sir George Newnes Bart M.P lay the foundation stone? 21st November 190B

Clock Tower and Administration Block of Former Swansea Hospital
Now part of Homegower House it is still standing and in use, although the clock doesn't appear to work!
Clue: How many small windows on the top floor of the old building (the row above the balcony row) = C

(Former) Argyle Presbyterian Church of Wales
This lovely old Church was badly gutted by fire in 2002 during its redevelopment and there was speculation that it would be torn down, but fortunately the development continued and the facade of the building retains some of the original grandeur.
Clue: The number of the building? 4D

St Andrews United Reformed Church
Another stunning old church left in total disrepair, its twin towers are easily visible above the buildings of St. Helens Road from across town. It is apparently owned by Swansea Mosque and there were plans some years ago for it to be developed as a replacement for the current mosque opposite the old church, but it has been 5 years since initial plans were put forward.
Clue: Number of mini spires on either tower = E

Swansea Grand
The theatre opened in 1897; it was designed by the architect William Hope, built by D. Jenkins and opened by Madam Adelina Patti - an Opera Diva of her day who lived locally - under the original proprietors Morell and Mouillot.
Clue: Number of columns (complete and partial) below either of the large bay windows on the front of the building (as seen from the Oxford Street car park). = F

Waterstones - Former Carlton Cinema, Oxford Street
The theatre opened as the Carlton Cinema de Luxe on 31st January 1914. The Carlton cinema has a very beautiful facade with bay glass windows on the first and second floors which contain a very ornate staircase. This lead to the Carlton cafe which was a very popular meeting place in its heyday. The facade has now been cleaned up and looks very impressive.
Clue: Year on the plaque = 199G

(Former) Barclays Bank Building
Just up the next turning is another stunning bit of architecture (currently To Let) which unfortunately I know little about, but was too lovely not to include.
Clue: Look for the quote above the doors, number of letters in the 3rd word = H

Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, Kingsway
Another lovely church, this one in use! Comparable in style to the old Argyle Street church
Clue: Number of red doors = I

Glyn Vivian
The Art Gallery is named after its founder and principal benefactor, Richard Glynn Vivian (1835–1910), the fourth son of John Henry Vivian; owner of the largest copper works in Swansea. I highly recommend a visit whilst you work out the final location!
Clue: When was the foundation stone laid by R. Glyn Vivian? 14th May 190J (PLEASE NOTE: Look at it carefully. It's not an 8)


Cache is at:
N 51° D(J-A).B(G+1)D W 003° (F-I)C.(E-A)(I+1)(H-7)
Final cache a short walk away. Final co-ords may be a bit off as accuracy was iffy.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Tebhaq yriry, ehfgl!

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)