Orford was once one of the main seaports of eastern England, built around the 12th century royal castle which still stands. The castle was built for Henry II between 1165 and 1175 to defend the coast from invaders, emphasising the political and commercial importance of the town. The castle is open to the public and has spectacular views. Subsequently, longshore drift has created a spit of shingle (Orford Ness) which now separates Orford from the sea, leaving Orford as a small port on the river Ore, with just a fishing fleet and leisure craft. The castle and the nearby St Bartholomew's church are landmarks visible from the surrounding area, the church tower being 28m high. The church dates from the 14th century, but the remains of the original 12th century cruciform church are still visible behind the present church. Orford church was the location of the first performances of several of Benjamin Britten's operas, including Noye's Fludde, performed here in 1958 and commemorated by a plaque on the floor of the church. Parking is available in the town square, at the castle and at Quay Street (pay-and-display). You can start the trail at any of these points. Alternatively, catch the Suffolk Links bus to Orford, Market Hill (This MUST BE BOOKED the day before travel. Phone 0845 604 1802). More details at www.traveline.info. The cache is not at the published coordinates, which are for one of the parking areas and near the bus stop. The aim is to visit various locations around the town to collect various information which will lead to the location of the cache, which is located off a footpath a little way out of the town. You will need to allow about 2 hours to complete the trail and admire the views. More details about Orford, including things to do, where to eat and where to stay can be found at www.orford.org.uk. You might also like to visit Mum and Dad's Little Piece of Orford ... cache (GC41DBP) and Awful Mess cache (GCTV66) which are between clues 3 and 4.
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N52 05.705 E001 31.999
The number on the door of Pump Cottage is AA.
N52 05.708 E001 32.115
The church wall was restored in 1BC9 (date on the wall). Take time to look inside the church, worth a visit.
N52 05.455 E001 32.325
At Orford Quay, there is a shelter in memory of William G Figg. He died in 19DE. From the quay, you can see Orford Ness. The Ness had a lighthouse, now removed, and has been used for many military purpose over the years, including testing of nuclear weapons and as a radio communications station. You can see the buildings from the quay. It is now a National Trust site, which can be reached by ferry.
N52 05. 585 E001 31.976
The foundation stones of Orford Methodist Church were laid by J Collen and J Butcher on October FG, 1901.
N52 05.645 E001 31.892
Outside Orford Castle stand two cannons, one of which is labelled as a H-pound cannon.
N52 05.300 E001 31.143
Heading out of the town, there used to be an old post box here on the Gedgrave road. Stop to admire the views out to sea, and back towards the town. This rural postbox has been removed, probably due to lack of use. Therefore we will give you the answer you need to complete the cache. K = 9.
You now have all the information to find the cache, which is located beside a footpath that starts near where the postbox used to be. You will find an old-fashioned farm with lots of animals along the way.
The cache is at: N52 05.(A-F)(C-H)(D-F) E001 3(G-E).(B-H)DK.
Good luck, and please make sure the cache is well hidden.