The Inn was established in the medieval period on Borough High Street and is owned by the National Trust for its unique heritage. It is the only surviving galleried London coaching in. The first map of Southwark (Duchy of Lancaster ca1543) clearly shows it marked as 'Gorge'. It was formerly known as the George and Dragon, named after the legend of St. George and the Dragon.
The building was one of the many famous coaching inn's in the days of Charles Dickens. Dickens in fact visited and referred to it in his book - Little Dorrit (you will find Dickens references abundant in the area) It is thought that the Galleried Inns were the inspiration of the original theatres, that the Players were on a dais in the Courtyard with the standing audience next to them and that those paying a premium would be in the Galleries with a better view. In 1677, it was rebuilt after a serious fire that destroyed most of medieval Southwark.
Final Cache Coordinate Clue 1: Take the first 2 digits from the date of the Duchy of Lancaster's Map and reverse them. This will number XX = A
Final Cache Coordinate Clue 2: Look for the last 3 digits of the year on the National trust plaque. (xxx+23) = F
Walk west to the next waypoint - 20 Redcross Way
The second Inn/warehouse can be found near the Cross Bones graveyard & garden. Occasionally you can get access through to the old warehouse Stable Yard (where the horses were kept). From the sign you can see it is a "Free Vintner" The little known Vintners' privilege covers the Square Mile and three miles beyond the City. Also covered by Vintners privilege are some towns on the road between London and Dover and London and Berwick. Some port towns such as Sandwich and Weymouth are also included.
Under the special dispensation confirmed by James I in 1611. Indeed they can claim that the right to sell wine without a licence dates from a charter of 1567 granted by Queen Elizabeth I. While here, also check out the nearby Winchester Geese - GC13ZAG
Final Cache Coordinate Clue 3: Using A=1, B=2 etc. - take the second to letter in the street name and convert it to a digit. 0X = E
Final Cache Coordinate Clue 4: Take this same digit as in clue 3 0X0 = C
Head to waypoint 3. 27 Clennam Street (Again a Dickens street reference and was the shortest street street in London until it was part pedestrianised). An ancient Inn has stood on this site for over 300 years. The present building, with its unique faience facade of glazed coloured earthenware tiles, today remains all but exactly as rebuilt at the turn of the century. A dig next door in 2006, found clay-pipes (dating to the mid 17th century), a bear jaw & earthenware pottery! Across the street is the historic Mint Street Park, home of the original Evelina Hospital - See GC47A6Q. :)
Final Cache Coordinate Clue 5: Take the final digit of the year the present building was rebuilt. X and multiply by 10 this will = B
Final Cache Coordinate Clue 6: Take the full year the building was rebuilt and multiply by 0. This XXX = D
Final Cache location is N = A° B. C W= D° E.F
The final cache is a perfect example of its kind built at the turn of the century. Should you also wish to continue the tour, also look at the exterior of 44 Tabbard Street. Like the 27 Clennam Street it is a perfect example of Victorian Architecture.
You can check your answers for this puzzle on GeoChecker.com.
Cache placed with the kind permission of the leaseholder.
Congratulations Pja_cz for First Find!