Church Micro 2088...Milton Regis Multi-Cache

A simple multi that can be done easily without having to walk too far.

Local legend tells that after the village of Milton Regis had moved to its current location on the nearby hill, the church was going to be rebuilt in the centre. However each time stones were moved from the old site to the new place, St Augustine came down and put them back overnight. He had put the church where he wanted it to be and did not want it moving!

The church has a long history. It is believed to occupy what was originally a pagan site of worship. There was a Roman villa nearby, and Roman bricks are still visible in the church walls.

The Cathedral records of Ely in 680 state that Seaxburh Of Ely (Queen Sexburga, Abbess of Minster in Sheppey) left her 'life' at the doors of 'Mylton' Church. This should not be taken to mean she died, but that she left her secular life by taking the veil as a nun.

The present church is of Augustinian foundation though with substantial additions and rebuilding in the Saxon and Norman periods. Other parts added were a family chapel and chancery by the local Barons (the Norwode (or Norwood) family) in about 1420. In the 13th Century, Stephen de Northwode built a manor in the Parish of Milton. The house was known as "Norwood without Sheppey" and also known as "Norwood Chasteners."

The church also claims to have one of the thickest-walled Norman towers and to be one of the oldest churches in Kent.

For such a large tower the ring of bells is surprisingly light. A ring of five bells was recorded in 1681, tenor 12 long cwt 15 lb (1,359 lb or 616 kg), The tenor was recast as 11 long cwt 1 qr 24 lb (1,284 lb or 582 kg) in 1890. In 1934 the whole ring was retuned, rehung, the tenor again recast and a new treble added. There is currently a ring of six with a tenor of 10 long cwt 3 qr 13 lb (1,217 lb or 552 kg) in G hung in the English style for full circle ringing.

To find the final location you will need to find the First World War Memorial and take note of the number of times certain names are listed.

N51 DF.EB(B+A)

E0 BB.(D+C)(B-F-E)E

A = GLASPOLL

B = JARRETT

C = SHRUBSOLE

D = KNIGHT

E = HATTON

F = CLOUT

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