En route to Houghton Traditional Cache
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A nano cache on a footpath between Ashill and South Pickenham
This cache is placed on a public footpath en route from Ashill to Houghton-on-the-Hill church. The Church of Saint Mary the Virgin (most commonly called St Mary's) is on top of the hill in Houghton, on the outskirts of North Pickenham near Swaffham. It was a small hamlet once described as Houghton Town, sadly now only the church and Houghton Farm remain intact. The last two surviving cottages were demolished in 1994, the remainder of the village is visible only as bumps in the field just to the north of the church.
The church has been here for at least 1,000 years, and was built on the site of a Roman building of some description (the boundaries are marked in the churchyard). Evidence of a Roman settlement is suggested by the use of Roman bricks in the structure, nearby remains of a villa and close proximity to Peddars Way.
St Mary's was abandoned as a church in the second quarter of the 20th century, and was rarely used after the 1930's, with the last service being held in 1944, until after the restoration was completed. It has been lovingly restored after Bob Davey discovered it whilst walking in 1992 (the church is well off the nearest road - approx 1/2 mile up a public footpath), so was easy to miss.
I remember discovering the church in about 1988 as my school bus route allowed a fleeting glimpse of the (then ivy covered) tower. Along with a few intrigued friends we walked to it shortly afterwards and were amazed to find this abandoned church in what seemed to be the middle of nowhere.
It's now a popular place to walk to, and has even had Royal visitors!
You can find more information on this amazing piece of restoration at (visit link)
Parking is possible either in Ashill or South Pickenham, probably about 40-60 minutes total walk to the cache and back. Others nearby too!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Zntargvp!