A short multi-cache around the lovely St Peter's Church in Benington.
The following history is taken from the Benington village website
A church probably stood on this site in Beortwulf’s time (839-853 AD). He was a Christian and King of Mercia who often resided at his palace here. About 850 he held a Great Council of nobles and prelates for which a church would have been necessary.
The arrangement of the church, manor house and cottages is typically Saxon. The earthworks probably include the present road as well as those around the Lordship on the other side of the church and near the lych-gate. Doomsday refers to Benington as Belintone rated at ten hides. It is not known whether the name derives from Baeling, a Saxon family, or the river Beane which flows nearby.
Following the Norman Conquest, Peter de Valognes held Belintone, hence the church is dedicated to St. Peter. Roger de Valognes, a rebel baron in King Stephen's time, built the castle which was razed by Henry II in 1177 when the manor became unoccupied and the church neglected. In 1273 the manor passed to Alexander de Balliol, brother of the King of Scotland. In 1285, the manor was conveyed to John Benstede, Keeper of the Great Seal and Keeper of the Wardrobe to Edward I (some historians say he was a clerk and came here in 1303). His family rebuilt the church.
The Porch is 14th Century and is adorned outside with a much weathered statue of St Michael slaying the dragon; this is unusual in a church dedicated to St. Peter. To the right of the church door is part of a holy water stoop, while the Benstede arms appear on the right-hand shield above. The badge on the left may represent Grapynell. The front of the porch was extensively repaired in the 19th century.
The cache can be found at N 51 53.ABC W 000 06.DC0.
At the posted coordinates look at the blue sign. B = the 7th digit of the telephone number.
At stage 2 the bench has unfortunately been removed.
At stage 3 look at the stained glass (inside the porch). William Eustace Mills lived 18D1-195A and was Rector 1921-19C6.
** Congratulations to HHHP20 for FTF**
** Thanks to CapJackSparrow for updating us on one of the clues which has changed**
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For full information on how you can expand the Church Micro series by sadexploration please read the Place your own Church Micro page before you contact him at churchmicro@gmail.co.uk.
See also the Church Micro Statistics and Home pages for further information about the series.
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