This is a curious and somewhat eerie place, especially at dusk. Coming from the open fields all around, it is like entering a dark tunnel. On warm, sunny days it is completely different, and often you will find children paddling in the clear waters of the chalk stream. It is therefore an enigmatic place where several paths cross, and perhaps the feeling of both happiness and forboding is not unexpected. To the east, the land rises steeply towards what is now the A1(M) and beyond to the old Great North Road. On the highest point there was a bronze age burial mound which has long been ploughed out. At the base of the slope, near the cache there is a triangle of land, delineated by 3 footpaths. Somewhere in this area there was a Roman (or perhaps Anglo-Roman) building. Whether this was a farmstead, perhaps owned by a retired legionary or even a freed slave (unlike more modern times, in Rome faithful slaves were often freed, and given land or other gifts) or a true villa is unknown. I am unaware of any recent excavation, and deep ploughing will probably have removed what little remained. However, the soil still gives up its secrets from time to time, and there is a good scatter of pottery and other material present. I have found sherds of Samian ware, and also more local material made in Waternewton near Peterborough. It is probable that this dwelling place dates from the 2nd or 3rd century AD and saw its demise in the latter days of the Roman occupation. Therefore for those who lived and died here it will have had mixed memories, and I believe that these still linger here.
What of the cache? To get there I suggest you park at Norton Hall Farm or in the village of Radwell, there being good footpaths from both places. Associated with many Roman dwelling sites you will find populations of Roman snails, and although I am not aware of of any occuring here, the cache container reflects this. However, this one would probably break your teeth and give you lead poisoning if eaten. Not really buggy-friendly, as the paths are rough, and there are gates, slopes etc to make it more difficult. It is near water, so keep children under control - most times the water is shallow, but can be deep after rain. Dogs should be kept under control as there is livestock in the fields, and lots of rabbits.