This is a multi-cache. The cache is not hidden at the published coordinates. These will take you to the town war memorial where you will need to do some research to find the cache coordinates (see below).
The Church
Hitchin’s early prosperity from the wool trade means that St Mary's is the largest parish church in Hertfordshire. It stands on the site of two previous churches and dates mainly from the 14th and 15th centuries, with its tower dating from around 1190. It has been Grade I listed since 1951.
During the laying of a new floor in the church in 1911, foundations of a more ancient Saxon church building were found, which appeared to be of a 7th-century basilica type, with later additions probably in the 10th century. These may have been the remains of a Benedictine monastery founded by Offa, King of Mercia.
The church has seen more than its fair share of disaster. In 910 the church and its adjoining palace were burnt down. The monks left for St Albans and the local people used stones from the ruined church to build a new parish church. This, in turn, was partially destroyed during the 'Great Wind' of 1115, after which the nave had to be completely rebuilt. The church was struck by lightning in 1292, which also caused great damage; and in 1298 the centre of the church collapsed as the result of an earthquake! Six years later, in 1304, possibly weakened by the earthquake, the roof collapsed damaging monuments and relics inside the building. The church was rebuilt with flint, rubble and stone from Totternhoe in 1305.
The present church building dates mostly from the 14th and 15th centuries and was originally dedicated to St Andrew, but came to be known as The Church of St Mary due to the powerful and influential Guild of our Lady founded in the 15th century. The south porch, with its original door, and described as "the chief glory of the church", was added in about 1450.
Features surviving from the 15th century and of particular note are the font, dating from about 1470, and around the base of which the figures of the Twelve Apostles were damaged by Puritan soldiers during the Civil War when Oliver Cromwell garrisoned his troops in the church.
The Angel Screen is considered one of the finest in the country and on its eastern side can still be found the fraternity stalls used by the Guild of 'Our Blessed Lady St Mary the Virgin'. The sundial on the south east corner of the ancient tower was erected in thanksgiving for the Restoration of Charles II in 1660.
Despite all the history, St Mary’s is still very much an active part of the Hitchin community. Find out more from their website.
The Cache
The published coordinates take you to the town's war memorial outside St. Mary's parish church. The monument in the centre bears the names of some of the fallen, but since you cannot see all the way around you should ignore it for the purposes of this cache. Instead, please turn your attention to the panels behind the monument and count the names as follows.
a is White plus Tomlin
b is Primett minus Chalkley
c is Barker
d is Hawkins minus Cooper
The cache can be found at N 51° 56.aba' W 0° 16.cad'.
[Crosscheck: a+b+c+d=15]
If you would like to add to the Church Micro series yourself then please look for details here.
There is also a Church Micro Stats & Information page that can be found at http://www.15ddv.me.uk/geo/cm/index.html.