The name Hythe means landing-place or haven. Hythe is recorded in a Parliamentary roll from 1293 and the Hythe ferry (Hitheferye) to Southampton is marked on a map by Christopher Saxton of 1575 and on a map by John Harrison in 1788. At the beginning of the 20th century, Hythe was a little fishing village with an hourly steamboat service to Southampton. The World’s Oldest Pier Train (official Guinness World Record) runs along the 640 metre pier to the ferry boats. The pier is one of the ten longest piers in the British Isles. Its construction began in October, 1879 and it opened with considerable pomp and ceremony on 1st January, 1881. George VI, the Admiral of the Fleet, arrived at the pier to inspect the troops stationed locally before their departure to the Normandy landings.
During World War II, Hythe was used as a port for the “little ships” of the Royal Navy, the Motor Torpedo Boats and the RAF Air/Sea Rescue Boats.
In 1960, the Hovercraft Development Company and Sir Christopher Cockerell, its founder, moved to Hythe. Sir Christopher Cockerell continued to live in Hythe until his death in 1999.
T. E. Lawrence, Lawrence of Arabia, lived in the village for a short while. He was then known as T. E. Shaw, and had been seconded by the RAF to the British Power Boats factory in Shore Road. He lodged in Myrtle Cottage at the junction of St John Street and Shore Road.
There are four stages to this multi. They are all positioned fairly close to the centre of Hythe village where there are several car parks (payment needed unless you have an NFDC parking clock). Additionally there are several places around the village where you can park for free.
Stage one - N 50° 52.270, W 001° 23.988 From this point there is a wonderful view of Hythe Pier. There is also a memorial to the Royal Navy Commandos. Take the time to read the inscription and discover the year the plaque was erected. abcd
Stage two – N 50° 52.241, W 001° 23.966 - Walking back towards the village you will find a red plaque erected by The Transport Trust commemorating the ancient ferry that has been a feature of the village for hundreds of years. In what year was access along the pier first made by train. 19e2
Stage three – N 50° 52.077, W 001° 23.785 - Continue along St. Johns’s Road past Grove House, the current home of the local council, to discover a plaque marking the place where T. E. Lawrence lodged for a while. In what year did he leave Hythe. 19f2
Stage four – N 50° 52.137, W 001° 23.746 - Return to Grove House and enter the public gardens. There is a memorial to Sir Christopher Cockerell. In what year was the wave tank built. 196g
After collecting the final numbers needed to determine the location of the cache you will find plenty of places to sit and do the necessary sums. The total of the letters a,b,c,d,e,f & g come to 33.
The final cache is situated at N 50°(a+d)(e).(f-e)(b/f)(c), W001° (d/e)(f).(c-e)(e)(g-e).
It is not too far away. Please exercise caution especially if you have children as the cache is hidden close to water. You are looking for a smallish homemade magnetic container.