This is a multi-cache designed to take you around the historical points of interest in Kingston. It starts at the historic Clattern Bridge, and hopefully should end up at a magnetic micro. To do so, collect the required information from each historical waypoint and enter it into the formula below. I hope you enjoy this little ramble around Kingston, or as it should be known, the Costa-del-Thames. I’ve done it for no other reason than I really like where I live, and consider myself lucky for it.
Collecting the info and the cache should take around 40 mins. The TR reflects the long(ish) walk.
Waypoint 1 (The Published Coordinates): The Bridge
N51° 24.522 W000° 18.408
Once known as ‘Clateryngbrugge’ after the old English for ‘bloomin’ old bridge’, the Clattern bridge is one of the oldest working bridges that I can think of, dating back to 1175. Nearby in the grounds of County hall is the King’s Stone, which gives Surbiton its name. This is where seven Anglo-Saxon kings were coronated, and it’s thought that six of them later became Brian Blessed.
Looking towards the Thames and away from the Police station, go through the gate to the right hand side and a few feet down the path. Look back at the bridge. How many clearly defined arches make up the bridge? (It’s the same as the number of piers the bridge has). The answer is A.
Waypoint 2: The Market
N51° 24.574 W000° 18.374
Kingston’s market has been used since around 1170, when King Henry II was on the throne, and when Michael Heseltine was just eleven years old. The market has historically been used for celebrations and punishments, as well as trade, and is the home of the 19th century Italian style ‘Market House’. Historically Kingston market was known as the epicentre of its malting, tanning, and candle making industry. Nowadays it’s an excellent spot to eat some street food and catch some pidgeon droppings on your shoulder.
Look for the guilded statue of Queen Anne. Convert the roman numerals below the statue, and take the third and fourth digits to be B and C.
Now go down the passage to ‘Charter Quay’. After a few feet you should be able to see an illustrated history of the area on your left. Look for the picture of Cesar Picton. How many silver buttons are on his coat? Make that D.
Waypoint 3: The Reformist Church
N51° 24.540 W000° 18.281
Grade II Listed United Reformed Church was built in 1856, complete with Doric Pilasters and a pedimented frontage that alludes to an ancient Roman ‘vibe’. Adjoining is the Richard Mayo centre, named in tribute of the inventor of what we know today as ketchup.
Standing at the waypoint, look for the plaque at shin height on the right pilaster, which tells you which part of the pavement the church owns. Take the last digit of the year mentioned, and make that E.
Walk a few feet to the west, and stand outside the southerly wall of the Richard Mayo centre. You should see a brown plaque. How many screws are holding that plaque to the wall? Make that F.
Waypoint 4: The War Memorial
N51° 24.625 W000° 18.296
Updated in 1945, the memorial on Union Street recognised the casualties and sacrifices of both the First World War and the Second World War. The statue was designed by Richard Reginald Goulden, and depicts a warrior defending two children from a serpent. The inscription reads ‘In honour of the men of this town who gave their lives in the great wars’.
On this monument to the fallen, how many fallen soldiers have the surname Wright? Make that G. How many have the surname Kent? Make that H. ****INFO CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE, G2 H6
Waypoint 5: The Shops
N51° 24.660 W000° 18.306
The town is pitted with history, but arguably is nowadays better defined by its shops, entertainment services and nightlife. I myself have never been to a nightlife, but have read about one in a book. The principal buildings of the Bentall’s centre were completed in 1935 to a design by architect Maurice Webb and inspired by Wren's design for Hampton Court. The fine stonework on the facade was the work of Eric Gill. Between 1935 and 1976 it was the UK's largest department store outside central London. It became a Grade II listed building in 2011. It became really rather quiet in 2020.
At the coordinates you should be looking at a plaque that commemorates a visit from a member of the royal family. However you need to find the ‘award’ plaque a few meters to the west- and the last digit of the year on it. Make that J.
Waypoint 6: The Anglican Church
N51° 24.638 W000° 18.370
Forming part of the Diocese of Southwark, All Saint’s Church is the only Grade I listed building in Kingston. Outside the south door of the present building are some outlines marked by stones, which are all that remain of the Saxon church and chapel of St Mary. The present church was begun in 1120 under the orders of Henry I and has been developed since then. Later additions include tea and coffee making facilities and the complete works of Chas and Dave on cassette (sic.).
Don’t worry, the ramble is nearly at an end. At these coordinates (and roughly nine meters to the west of the north door of the church) is a window, above which you will find some engraved numerals. Convert the third from last numeral and divide your answer by 10. Call that K.
Go to the gates at the western end of the church. Very close to this gate, which exits towards Thames Street, is the grave of William Strange. He died aged LM.
Final cache:
Well that’s enough of a ramble from me. The geocache can be found at:
N51 (A-B) (H+M) .(L) (F) (C-L) W000 (D-M) (E-K) .(J-A) (E) [(G*K)+H]
Please replace the container as you found it and so that it is fully out of sight. This is a busy area at all times of the day, so stealth will be required. Once upon a time there was room for swaps and trackables; the very maticulous street cleaners of the Costa-Del-Thames have put an end to that- it's now a very familiar micro.
Enjoy!
NB: If you struggle to find the information at any of the points please message me and let me know. Often with caches like this information can be obscured by building works and the like. Thanks