Altrincham Amble (Multi) Multi-Cache

Altrincham is a Market town that lies to the south of Manchester. Originally an early Saxon village, Altrincham is derived from Old English (The homestead of Aldhere's people, inga a group of people and ham a homestead/village or estate). It has been spelled approx 15 different ways since 1290AD including Aldheringaham, and more recently Altringham, up until the 1930's where the current spelling appears to have stuck (the 'c' in AltrinCham is pronounced 'g').

This multi-cache will take you to 6 different locations around Altrincham. Find the 6 pieces of information, plug them into the equation at the end, and find the cache. This should be possible in under 2 hours.

Stage 1 - The Old Market - N53 23.346 W002 21.031

This conservation area, was possibly the site of the original Saxon settlement, became a medieval trading centre created with a royal charter for a market from Edward I and a borough charter from Baron Hamo de Masci (or Massey) which established the borough. The royal charter allowed for a tuesday market to be held, and indeed this practice continues today, although in another location.

The Buttermarket was established here in 1684 until about 1850, which allowed for the sale of butters and cheese, and probably meats, animals, flowers, foods and other wares. A courtroom and lock-ups also existed above the Buttermarket until 1838, and there were stocks and a whipping post, as well as the Market cross, a spot where hopeful brides and grooms were required to state their intentions. The Unicorn hotel, now known as the Old Market Tavern still stands here today, and replica stocks and market cross were replaced here in time for the 700th anniversay of the Royal charter in 1990.

The current market building is a little walk from here.

QUESTION: Gas was first used to light The Unicorn in the year XXXX. Number (A) = Last Digit minus First Digit.

Stage 2 = Town Hall - N53 23.273 W002 21.116

This Victorian building was constructed in 1900 to house the Altrincham Urban District Council, extended in 1930 and used as a town hall until the local government reorganisation in 1974. Until 1962 a fire, ambulance station and mortuary were also housed at the rear. In 2006 the hall was refurbished to create a contemporary community facility and venue for meetings whilst maintaining its Victorian exterior.

QUESTION: (B) = Last digit on number on RIGHT side of Town Hall main doorway.

Stage 3 = Market - N53 23.250 W002 21.128

Built on meadow land donated by the Earl of Stamford in 1879, the Market House is a listed building, and still houses the 700+ year old chartered Tuesday market. The glass covered outside market was added in 1930, on the site of the Cheshire Rifle Volunteers Training Ground and the Saturday Market started in 1932.

QUESTION: (C) First digit on the year on "The Altrincham Market Trader" statue, in the grounds of the Town Hall Opposite.

Stage 4 = Hospital - N53 23.193 W002 21.195

Built in 1870, Altrincham General Hospital cost 3000 pounds and catered for accidents, medical and surgical cases, and the treatment of eyes and teeth. Designed by a Russian born architect, this elegant building has gradually been hemmed in by more recent extensions. Today it houses various clinics and a minor injuries unit.

QUESTION: (D) Last Digit of SECOND year on the plaque inside the hospital entranceway on the left (Look through window in door if door closed). NB THERE ARE 2 PLAQUES ON THIS WALL - USE THE PLAQUE ON THE RIGHT AS YOU FACE IT

UPDATE FEB 2016 The Plaque has now gone - The Number you seek (D) = 0

Stage 5 = Long Lost Street - N53 23.152 W002 21.145

Chapel Street has long since vanished, but the bravery of the 161 men who volunteered to fight for King and country during the first world war is commemorated by two memorials here. Dubbed "The Bravest Little Street" by King George V in a roll of honour, now kept at the town hall.

QUESTION: XX men from Chapel Street lost their lives. 2nd digit minus 1st digit = (E).

Stage 6 = Old Telephone Exchange - N53 22.985 W002 21.440

The original 1908 telephone exchange - with a red telephone box still in situ. St. Annes Hospital, a former TB hospital is still visible through the old gates opposite. Eventually it became a centre for Ear, Nose and Throat, general medicine, convalescence, geriatric and psychiatric care, before finally closing in 2004.

QUESTION: (F) = 2nd Digit on date atop the Exchange.

               Congratulations to nikie42 on the FTF