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Capturing the Moment Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

avail: Not able to get to central London to replace the container. Once I can, will unarchive!

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Hidden : 3/11/2017
Difficulty:
1 out of 5
Terrain:
1 out of 5

Size: Size:   small (small)

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Geocache Description:

Traditional cache located in a part of the City of London steeped in print, publishing, and particularly newspaper history. 


You are looking for a micro cache. Use stealth on weekdays as this is a very high muggle area! Best to find in the evenings or weekends.

Now, some history! This cache brings you to an area of the City of London with lots of history, in particular that of the press and newspapers. The large white stone building at the corner of Tudor Street and Whitefriars Street is Northcliffe House. From 1926 to the late 1980s it was home a large daily newspaper. It is one of a handful of the original newspaper buildings left in and around Fleet Street.

It was from the roof of this building that possibly the most famous photograph of London during World War II was taken.

In the early hours of 30th December 1940, photographer Herbert Mason was on the roof of Northcliffe House, surveying the damage of the fire bombing raid suffered by the City the night before. The 29th of December 1940 has come to be known as the Second Great Fire of London.

He waited for the smoke to clear so he could get a shot of the dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral.

(Image from St. Paul's Cathedral website)

The oldest of the remaining newspaper buildings is very near here as well. To the south, you’ll see a large red brick building on the corner of Carmelite Street and Tallis Street. This is Carmelite House, built in 1898 as home to Associated Newspapers. Have a look into the ground floor windows near the corner and you will see one of the oldest lifts in London (sadly not operational). It is currently home to a publishing company.

Carmelite House

Going a bit further back in history, the names Carmelite Street and Whitefriars Street are a nod to the medieval inhabitants of this area. Those being an order of Carmelite monks, nicknamed the Whitefriars for the white robes they wore.

Thanks for reading and happy caching!

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Zntargvp, purpx haqre gur 'PNE'.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)