Church Micro 7309...Shefford - St Michael
This cache has been placed to bring you to the church of St Michael and All Angels in Shefford.
The story of St. Michael and All Angels Church starts in 1312, when the rights to hold a fair in Shefford were granted to Campton Manor by Royal consent. At this time, Shefford was still in the "Clifton Hundreds" and was part of the Manor and Parish of Campton which in turn belonged to Chicksands Priory.
Fairs provided a valuable source of trade, much like markets but on a larger scale with craftsmen and traders traveling great distances to attend. Fairs usually coincided with the celebration of local Saints days, and as Shefford fair occurs at Michaelmas*, it is clear that a connection with St. Michael was already established at this time.
This points to the existence of a small Church in Shefford in the early 14th century (1312), dedicated to St Michael, built as a Chapel of Ease to Campton church and administered by the Monks of Chicksands Priory.
To find the cache visit the published coordinates on the south west-corner of the churchand look for a stone tablet placed "IN MEMORY OF A BELOVED PHYSICIAN" This includes the dates JULY A BCDE - APRIL FG HIJK.
The final cache is located at: N 52 02.(F)(C)(I) W 0 20.(D)(B)(J-K)
Checksum: 31
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