The Church of St John The Baptist
Curious Carvings and a Wonderful Church Model
Beckford's Church has Saxon foundations and we can assume that there has been a church on the same spot for about 1,200 years. It is a charming village church and has been described as a treasure.
As you enter the Church look up over the 12th century doorway at the 5 horned animal, a dove and the Holy Ghost. Inside the Church look at the Norman tower arch for the centaur, several demonish heads and interesting stone carvings.
Don't leave without admiring the spectacular Church Model which sits inside a glass case. Once activated the roof lifts off and you hear music. It was given to the church in 2004 and was built to commemorate a Golden Wedding Anniversary. It really is worth a small coin!
The blocked up North Door now contains a brass plaque commemorating the fallen from two world wars. If you go outside, this doorway has some rather special carvings above it. I was once told that the scene represents "The Harrowing Of Hell" and is quite uncommon. A very good website showing plenty of photographs, history and notable features of Beckford Church is here
There are occasional Flower Festivals in the church when the local flower arrangers create wonderful displays. There is also a weekly bellringing practice on Tuesday evenings.
Finally, if you visit in August and spot a volunteer church cleaner it could well be the Cache Owner!
A Simple Multi Cache
Start at the Lychgate and walk towards the church to the kissing gate at the back of the church. Answer these questions to find the values of ABCD.
1. Lest We Forget. Look at the dates. How many number nines are there? Your answer = A
2. Date carved on the new Jubilee church noticeboard. 1952 - 2BCC
3. Near the kissing gate behind the church is a grave stone for the White family. The last date is 1935 - 20D0.
The cache is located at N52.01.AB(C+C+C) W002.02.C(A+D)(C+D).
The co-ordinates swing about in the trees but stay on the path.
It is a very well camouflaged 5" square clip and lock box.