A big cache for a small town Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

Long Man: As the owner has not responded to my previous log requesting an update is posted, I'm archiving it.

Andy
Long Man
Volunteer UK Reviewer - Geocaching.com
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Hidden : 5/25/2011
Difficulty:
3.5 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size: other (other)

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Geocache Description:

Cache description
A big cache for a small town.
(Or rather now 'A small cache for a small town'!).


Please also ensure cache is replaced as found afterwards.

Additional information
A simple nano cache in Britains smallest town.
The name of this village stems from the latin 'forduuicum' which translated means 'village by the ford.

King Lothar of Kent in AD 675 granted land at Stodmarsh which is "near Fordwich" to St Augustine's Abbey. By the 10th century St Augustine's is confirmed as the owner of the manor of Fordwich, although it probably possessed it much earlier.
The town of Fordwich is situated at the highest navigable point on the River Stour. For 2000 years all heavy goods destined for Canterbury were shipped upriver to Fordwich. Much of the medieval history of Fordwich is taken up with the struggle between the Abbey and the towns people for control of landing rights and the lucrative river trade.

Part of St Augustine's wharf can still be seen in the embanked river-wall of Watergate House, which stands on the site of the medieval manor house. The town quay which is separate from St Augustine's - seems to have run from the position of the present town hall to the edge of the churchyard.
The most famous cargo to pass through the town was the imported Caen stone used by the Normans to rebuild Canterbury Cathedral between the 11th and 15th centuries. In the early years this led to a struggle between the Abbey and the Cathedral, with the latter attempting to develop its own port downstream from the church, and brawls between lay-brothers of both institutions in the streets of the town. However, agreement was reached that the Cathedral could hire certain quays and the crane, which remained the property of the Abbey until the Reformation.


Fordwich jealously guarded its liberties - including the right to administer justice within its boundaries - until 1880, when the ancient corporation was a swept away in the nationwide reform of local government. Today it is, in legal terms, a civil parish, but the council continues to meet in the Old Town Hall (built 1544, immediately after the dissolution of the monasteries) and the council chairman is styled the mayor. The town of fordwich is Britians smallest official town, smaller than some villages, it has a town charter.

These days Fordwich's river front is home to the occassional pleasure craft.

More importantly Fordwich has two good pubs - both are recommended. The nearby George & Dragon and the Fordwich Arms. Both do good food and warm and welcoming. So please do stop in one or both, especially if you use either's car park for this cache

Cache originally placed by the 'GeekKitty' in 2011.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Gbc bs Tngr? Cbfg

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)


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