Church Micro 5110...Great Smeaton:
The church in Great Smeaton is the only one in England named after Saint Eloy, who is the patron saint of horses, smiths (goldsmiths, blacksmiths etc.) and coin collectors (so geocoins accepted here!). He is also the patron saint of the REME (Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers). Saint Eloy (also called Eligius) was a French Missionary who was born in Limoges in 588. He worked for 20 years converting the people of Flanders from Paganism to Christianity. He died in December 660 in Noyon, France.
The church stands on the site of an 11th century Saxon church. Parts of the church date back to the 13th century however most of it was rebuilt in 1862 by G E Street. The church is Grade II listed, as is the gravestone of Richard Scott, can you find him? Inside the church is a pulpit with the names of those who died in the First World War inscribed on one side, and a commemoration to Colonel Arthur Fitzpatrick Godman, his son Laurence (killed in the First World War) and his grandson Arthur (killed in the Second World War) on the other side.
Cache details:
There is free parking in front of the church just off the main road, but please do not use the access road to the east of the church as it’s a private access for the adjacent properties. The cache is a small plastic box big enough for a few swaps. Please bring your own pen and replace the cache as found. This is an exposed area so much stealth is required, and a few pictures of the church would be nice too.