GC3Q46K Southchurch Hall (Traditional Cache) in Eastern England, United Kingdom created by PistonSmash

This cache has been archived.

PistonSmash: This one has become a bit troublesome for various reasons. Time for it to go, therefore. Thanks to all previous finders (not forgetting those DNFers, too...)

GC3Q46K ▼

A cache by PistonSmash Message this owner

Hidden : 7/8/2012

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: micro (micro)

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Geocache Description:

A micro cache (35mm film pot) located in the grounds of Southchurch Hall

Southchurch Hall is a Grade 1 Listed Building a short walk from Southend’s town centre and the sea front. Southend East Station is a 5 minute walk from here. The Hall is a medieval, moated, timber-framed manor house dating from the 14th century which resides in its own gardens. The property was restored in 1930 and presented to the town of Southend. The garden, which covers approximately 5 acres/2 hectares, is now a public park while the Hall is also open to the public – and it’s all free of charge. The site is listed as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

For many years the Hall was used as a branch library but was converted to museum use. It is now laid out in a series of period rooms. The great open hall reflects life in the Middle Ages. The solar wing displays life in Tudor and Stuart times. The service wing is devoted to domestic life. On the first floor you’ll find a Victorian bedroom.

The park opens at 07:30 and closes at different times during the year, generally around dusk. Check Southend Council’s website for further details if you are planning on visiting: (visit link)

The opening hours of the hall are as follows:

Tuesday to Saturday 10:00 to 17:00
Sunday 11:00 to 16:00

There are toilets both in the hall and in the gardens. The gardens' toilets open at 09:00 until one hour before the park closes, subject to availability.

Further information about the Hall can be found at Southend Museum’s website here: (visit link)

To find this cache you don’t have to enter the Hall. The cache is located in the gardens. Once you’ve signed the log, assuming you find the cache, of course, I’d recommend that you have a mooch round the Hall. The staff are friendly, helpful and informal. And while you’re at it, why not combine your caching activities with your love life and get married on your visit – the Hall is also a registered wedding venue. The ponds contain terrapins and fish while ducks and geese nest on the islands.

See? Something for everyone.

There’s plenty of parking in the surrounding roads. Park Lane’s probably favourite.

Thanks to Southend Museums for permission to hide this cache.

The cache is not hidden in or on the Hall itself, so please do not interfere with the Hall in any way. We need to ensure the safety of this Grade 1 Listed building. Thanks. Wheelchair visitors will require a helper to retrieve the cache as there is a slope to contend with (oops, a little clue there) so I've upgraded the terrain level a bit. The hide is overlooked somewhat so finding and returning the cache to its spot will require stealth to be your watchword. Additionally, could you ensure that the cache is returned to the exact place from which it was retrieved, please. There's a small spot to which its magnet will adhere (oops, another unintentional, yet slightly mischievous, clue there...).

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Guvf Fgnghf Dhb fvatyr jnf eryrnfrq ba 26 Ncevy 1974.

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)