05 History of Burwell - Lockup & Forgotten Path Traditional Cache

This cache is in Newnham  - a late Medieval settlement near to Burwell Lode - with narrow lanes. Newnham Lane leads from The Causeway to Hythe Lane, and between Newnham Lane and Low Road are 4 parallel lanes - (i) Casburn Lane, (ii) Pantile Lane, (iii) a narrow, almost forgotten footpath and (iv) what is now called Laburnum Lane (but appears on old maps as Fuller's Lane). 

The Casburns and Fullers were local families. The map details shown below are from originals in Burwell Museum which is an excellent place to visit!

This cache celebrates the 'almost forgotten footpath', (iii) mentioned above, and also one of Burwell's historical plaques which recall moments in the village's history, which is close by.

This plaque, unveiled in 2006, commemorates a small brick building (which is now used as a store) but which was once a lockup used for detaining offenders overnight! The doorways to two cells can be seen now bricked up. It is not on a map of 1817, may have been built around 1830 and appears on a map of 1889 as 'Lockup'. By the map of 1901 it is no longer a Lockup but appears now as 'Fire Engine House'. On a slightly later map of 1924 it is still labelled 'Fire Station'.

We have changed the cache size and location. The cache is now between the lockup and the footpath and is a hanging camouflaged micro. The nearby property owner was aware of it in its last location and has given permission for it to be moved here. Free parking is available next to the lockup.