Staines Bridge Traditional Cache

In Roman Times, Staines-upon-Thames lay on the Devil's Highway, an important road connecting the provincial capital londinium (London) with points west via Calleva Atrebatum (Silchester). The site's Latin name was Pontes ("The Bridges"), implying that there was more than one bridge. It is believed that these bridges traversed Church Island, a bout 200m upstream form wher the existing bridge is now.

A wooden bridge was referenced as early as 1228, and required regular repair. It was put out of use during the Civil War.

Under an act of 1791, a stone bridge was built a little way downstream of the old one, the latter being retained. The central arch of this bridge cracked almost immediately and a third bridge of iron was completed in 1803.

This too failed and a fourth bridge, also of iron was opened in 1807. The old wooden bridge, which had continued in service, was then pulled down.

The fifth and present bridge with three arches in white granite was designed by George Rennie. Construction started in 1827, and it was opened in 1832.

From the 1940's until the 1970's this was a hot spot for summer holiday traffic jams due to many motorists heading from London towards the south-west.

When the M3 and later the M25 bridges were constructed, the traffic was diverted away from the town.

You are looking for a magnetic micro, so please bring your own pen, and despite the location I was able to get a good fix on my GPS so I hope the coordinates are pretty good.

Happy Hunting