NOTE: 21/11/21 - Moved final and changed formula to match.
The Manor of WELL (also known as La Welle and Welles meaning 'spring') was held in 1243 by Hugh de Wengham and on his death his estates descended to his son Geoffrey. Geoffrey's daughter and heir Alice married Richard de Byflete and thus brought the manor into the possession of a family who held it for nearly two centuries. It then passed through various hands when in 1885, Mr. Charles James Maxwell Lefroy purchased the estate and it was during his ownership that the well was built.
The well was a gift to the inhabitants of the hamlet from an American born composer who was active in London's musical and theatrical world. Unfortunately, his life was cut short and he died of tuberculosis at the age of 34. When he became ill and depressed his costume designer, friend and confidante brought him to a cousin's house here in Well, hoping the country air would help in his recovery. Unfortunately, he died. He is buried in the cemetery at All Saints' Church in Crondall.
The tasks:
1. Find the plaque on the outside of the roof structure beginning with the words "This well is a gift...". Make a note of the day and month only in the following format DD/MM. This = ABCD.
2. Stand under the canopy of the wellhead and look for the metal plaque on the inside of the roof structure. The year quoted = EFGH.
Final: N51 12.DCC W000 54.(B+H) (F-G) (G-A)
The checksum for all 15 digits is 39.
The cache is a short distance away. I found when setting the cache that the telephone wires were interfering with the GPS readings but it helped if I slowed my walking pace. The hint is precise for that reason.
This cache is part of a series of caches around the country that are placed at or near ancient wells, pumps and water holes. Please click here to see the bookmark list for all the caches in the series.
If you would like to expand the Ancient Wells Series by placing a cache of your own please contact LizMar2010 to request a number and to add the cache to the bookmark list. This series will encompass both ancient and non ancient wells such as springs and other water features which will always be worth a visit. so that I can issue a number and I will add them in a bookmark.