FYI 62 - Abbey Fields
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD TO THIS SERIES, PLEASE CONTACT THE CO (SEE BELOW)
We are often told (correctly, if somewhat ideologically), that geocaches should take us to somewhere "interesting", and not simply be placed just for the sake of it. The aim of this series is to try and adhere to this ideal by basing caches around details given on an Information Board about the area in which it is situated. By definition, it is hoped that this information will be "interesting", and will help the cacher discover things about the area that would often not be revealed by a traditional cache.
About Abbey Fields
Abbey Fields is a 68-acre park situated in the town of Kenilworth. Originally, the area was used as fields for St. Mary's Abbey that once stood here. Sadly, since King Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries, the abbey has laid in ruin. Still standing is St Nicholas' Church, with roots in the 12th Century.
Today, the park is popular, with Finham Brook running through it, the abbey's history, and views up to Kenilworth Castle. Also in the park is a swimming pool, tennis courts and play parks.
The Cache
To obtain the cache coordinates, you will have to visit two information boards in and around Abbey Fields. The short walk should all wheelchair-friendly. I hope you will find the cache interesting, and hopefully you'll learn something!
Stage 1 - War Shelters
There are three World War 2 Shelters dotted around Abbey Fields. I have added waypoints of the other two (you don't have to visit them, but you might like to). At this shelter, there is an information board on the now bricked up wall giving information about Kenilworth and WW2. I think this is really intriguing and definitely worth a read.
The numbers you need for the cache are:
-- A nose-cone from a shell had a fuse set to detonate in AB seconds
-- This particular shelter was C.Dm in length
Stage 2 - Abbey of St Mary
Another part of Kenilworth's history is the medieval Abbey that once stood here and did for 400 years. You can still see some of the ruins today, and can imagine what it would have looked like.
The numbers you need for the cache are:
-- The original priory was recognised as an Abbey in 1EFG
-- The nave was used by the public until another church was built in c1HJK
The final cache is located at N 52 2(F-E).(G-K)(B+H)(A+F) W 1 3(D+H).(C-J)(J-B)(G-E).
Checksum of all digits: 44
I hope that you find this an interesting variation on the caching experience. For a full list of all FYI caches in the series, please go to the series’ very own website where you will be able to access a Bookmark list. There is also a bookmark list here.
If you know of any interesting / informative Interpretation Boards (I'm sure you do!), and would like to contribute to the continued expansion of the FYI series, you will also find placement guidelines there, as well as a Contact Form to apply for a series number. Alternatively, you can contact the Series Owner Airtomoreira, either via the Geocaching website, or at fyigeocaching@outlook.com .