GC3XBBK Spanish Castle Magic (Traditional Cache) in West Midlands, United Kingdom created by thetippsters

This cache has been archived.

thetippsters: best leave this one - I will plan an alternative cache. Just won't stay put.

GC3XBBK ▼

A cache by thetippsters Message this owner

Hidden : 9/23/2012

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: small (small)

Join now to view geocache location details. It's free!

Watch

How Geocaching Works

Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions in our disclaimer.

Geocache Description:

I pass by this place everyday on my way to work and can't resist putting a cache here - and there is a pub just at the bottom of the road. perfect. Can be cached and dashed if you are in a hurry.

Earliest records on Bollitree go back to 1445 when wealthy Bristol merchant Richard Amerike (Richard Ap Meryk) was born there. Some believe he was the same man who sponsored John Cabot's expedition to Newfoundland and America was named after him. In 1776, Walter Meyrick, who was a Parliamentarian who fought against Charles I in the Civil War, left what was known as Bollitree House to his nephew, Thomas Hopkins [Merrick], from Pencoyd.

The castle as exists today was probably built in the mid 1800s by Thomas Hopkins Merrick. He was in love with a Spanish girl who refused to live in "wet and draughty old England" and she wanted to live in a castle. Even though he made her a "castle", she still spurned him. Following this failure Merrick died a batchelor and his ghost is said to haunt the grounds. Bolitree is something of an oddity when it comes to catagorising the local castles. It has been virtually ignored both by authorities of follies and castles. Still, it's cracking place to live - just ask the current owner Richard 'Hamster' Hammond.

The cache is a black tub with a pencil, logbook and some bits and bobs provided by the kids. Took 7 GPS readings and then averaged them out (accuracy was 29ft according to my Garmin). . Happy hunting. Congrats to Slyatslys and hsandrh for narrowly winning the race to be FTF. Amazingly fast reactions to an email