South Street was once the final stretch in a medieval pilgrimage towards St Andrews cathedral, recognised as the Fife Pilgrim's Way. Although South Street is now a bustling street full of shops and restaurants, some historic landmarks still remain. This multicache requires you to visit four of these landmarks, gathering some information on the way. Although finding the cache and signing the log is important, the main aim of this cache is to share some of the history surrounding this little town!
The cache itself is a small lockbox, with space for small swag or trackables. To find the coordinates for the cache and the code to open the box, you need to fill in the bold letters in each hint with the corresponding numbers. You'll find the numbers by reading the information signs at each stage. Bring your own pen, and please remember to lock the cache when you have finished with it so that others can enjoy it too!
Stage 1 // The West Port
The starting coordinates (N 56° 20.32728' W 2° 48.04584' ) take you to the West Port, the last standing medival entrance to the city. Find the Historic Scotland sign under one of the arches and have a read. Fill in the missing information from the following statements:
- the West port was renovated in 18(A)3
- Charles II was presented with silver keys in 165(B)
Stage 2 // Blackfriar's Chapel
Stage 2 coordinates (N 56° 20.33724' W 2° 47.87748') take you to Blackfriar's Chapel. These ruins belong to a once impressive monastry that housed an order of Dominican monks. The chapel got it's name from the black robes that the friars wore! Find the sign in front of the ruins, and fill in the missing information:
- Patrick Hamilton was burnt at the stake in 15(C)8
- the chapel was added to the friary in the 15(D)0s
- the body of Cardinal Beaton was buried here in 1(E)(F)7
Stage 3 // Holy Trinity Town Square
Stage 3 coordinates (N 56° 20.3901' W 2° 47.74518) take you to the holy trinity town square at the heart of St Andrews. The square is built around one of the oldest churches in the town, where famous protestant reformer John Knox once preached. Find the sign opposite the church at the given corrdinates, and fill in the missing information:
- John Knox first preached in the church in 15(G)(H)
- a curfew bell is rung from the church's tower every weekday at (I)pm
Stage 4 // Gregory's Meridian Line
Stage 4 coordinates (N 56° 20.3646' W 2° 47.6344) take you outside of the King James Library, where you can see Gregory's Meridian Line on the street. Gregory's Meridian Line is thought to be the first laid meridian line, pre-dating the Greenwich meridian by almost 200 years. For this reason, St Andrews can arguably be thought of as "the place where time began"! Find the blue plaque on the wall and fill in the missing information:
- James Gregory was born in 1(J)(K)8
- The meridian line was laid down on the library floor in 174(L)
Stage 4 // Final Cache
The final cache can be found at the following coordinates:
N 56° 20.(A)(I - L)(C)' W 2° 47.(J)(B)(E - F)'
The code to open the cache is:
D G H K
When you have finished with the cache, shut the door and set the code back to 0000 to lock it.
Happy hunting!