Gosbecks Archaeological Park is one of the most significant Iron Age and Roman sites in the country. Enjoy a walk and discover the highlights of the site with the interpretation boards around the Park.
Excavations in the fields surrounding the farm (probably named after the 13th century land owner, Rodger de Gosebek) began in the 19th century with the discovery of a Roman temple by an amateur archaeologist, the Reverend Henry Jenkins. However the true scale of the site wasn't known until archaeologists examined aerial photographs of the area in the 1930's.
Once the focus of the extensive pre-Roman settlement of Camulodunum (present day Colchester) and the royal seat of a succession of native Kings, Gosbecks Archaeological Park offers today's visitor a mix of outstanding Archaeological evidence, historic and natural landscape and pleasant country walks.
The park includes the largest of the five known Roman theatres in Britain, and a Roman-Celtic Temple sited within a large four sided precinct. The sacred precinct was surrounded by a double portico or corridor almost a quarter of a mile long.
The theatre, temple and portico have been fully indicated in outline on the ground, following survey and excavation by archaeologists.
To find the cache
Please remember that you are in an area designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument. The cache can be reached by walking at ground level and without leaving any trace of your visit. Do not climb on or over anything, such as fences, hedges or trees.
The coordinates given for this cache (N 51° 52.181 E 000° 51.364) will take you to the starting point. There is a free car park here, alongside the B1022 Maldon Road. For cyclists, NCN route 1 is adjacent.
At the starting point, note the answers to these questions:
A The first digit of the year when British tribes surrendered to the Emperor Claudius.
B The first digit of the approximate year when the temple was built.
Proceed to waypoint STAGE2 which is at N 51° 52.031 E 000° 51.454
C The last digit of the year when a statue was discovered.
Proceed to waypoint STAGE3 which is at N 51° 51.899 E 000° 51.417
D How many thousands of people could the theatre seat?
E The number of the century when the theatre and temple were abandoned.
Now you can look for the physical cache hidden at N 51° 51.CDB E 000° 51.EAA
You are looking for a cylindrical container, approximately 8 cm in diameter, and 12 cm high, that is big enough to contain some small swaps and trackables. Please replace it upright in its hiding place. Hopefully that will help keep the contents dry.