Skip to content

Trading Places #1 Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

Professor Xavier: As the owner has not responded to my previous log requesting that they check this cache I am archiving it. Please note that as this cache has now been archived by a reviewer or HQ staff it will NOT be unarchived.

If you wish to email me please send your email via my profile (click on my name) and quote the cache name and number.

Regards

Ed
Professor Xavier - Volunteer UK Reviewer
www.geocaching.com
UK Geocaching Policies Wiki
Geocaching Help Center

More
Hidden : 10/8/2013
Difficulty:
1 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

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:

The first of a series of caches celebrating the trading estates of Abingdon.  What were they, what are they now....and what's hiding in the undergrowth?


Ok, OK, so "celebrating" might be a bit strong...but these areas of commerce and industry weren't necessarily all ways prefab metal warehouses.  What is there now may be useful, but what was there before may prove interesting.

I am still researching these locations - so any information will be useful, should you wish to contribute.  I have gleaned information from various sources, but the most useful has been speaking to my neighbour, who has lived in Abingdon for over 70 years!

Suffolk Way - which now hosts various business - for supplying local refreshment, through to a massive warehouse for local charity, as well as business of a scientific nature, wasn't always such a hive of commerce, but was once an area of slightly more grusome (yet some would say necessary) aspects of rural living...

When the area west of Drayton Road was still Mill Farm, what is now Suffolk Way was the sight of the slaughter house.  Coming out of Suffolk Way, and to your right, the large house on the corner (now a care home), belonged to the owner of a nearby orchard and large walnut tree...where my source would often snaffle fruit trophies!

Just opposite Suffolk Way, and slightly south - now on the east of Drayton Road; Lady Eleanor Court housed the milking sheds.  Twice a day the cows crossed the then track - that is now Drayton Road, to be milked! Now, I bet that would cause a traffic jam!

Hopefully more local history to follow....

The cache, not hard to find (but may require a reach slightly upwards to about 6ft) is hidden for your enjoyment.  Accessible for all - but help may be required to actually grab the cache.  Watch out, there's a few thorns about - and a few berries, so keep an eye on young kids. There is parking, so drive here should you wish...but whatever you do, don't hang around until morning!

I feel that there should be a kid friendly element to geocaching, and as such I have tried hard to create caches large enough to allow for trinkets for the kids - this is certainly one of those.  You are of course welcome to take what you find, but please leave something in its place (it will need to be small)

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Fgbc ybbxvat urer - ab uvag arrqrq, vg'f nyy va gur qrfpevcgvba.

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)