Idlicote is a small settlement in Warwickshire and was mentioned in the Doomsday Book of 1086 when it had a population of around 130. The 12th century church is dedicated to Saint James the Great, who was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus and whose relics are in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. It is tucked away and easily missed be it not for the sign just inside the pillared drive on the approach to Idlicote House. As you enter the church gates near the location of question 1, take time to look up at the wood-shingled bell turret with its weather vane dated 1707, it certainly appears crooked. The clock tower houses a single bell, cast by Henry Bagley in 1656. Inside the church are the remains of a medieval wall painting, box and manorial family pews in the nave, the chancel, which was rebuilt in the second half of the 13th century, with the west gallery and south chapel added in the 17th century as a mortuary chapel for the Underhill family, along with a carved and painted crest of their Arms. William Underhill, who was referred to as ‘covetous and crafty’ owned and sold New Place, Stratford-on-Avon to a certain William Shakespeare. This obviously displeased his eldest son Fulke, who then allegedly poisoned his father. One story says he was found out, sent for trial and subsequently hanged, another says the son’s guilt was later discovered after his natural death. Both father and son are buried in the churchyard. Folklore has it that on the anniversary of his death, William rises from his grave and wanders the churchyard calling out to his son.
Access to parking outside the church is along a short stretch of private road but permission does allow for visitors to the church. However, due to the location, please DO NOT attempt this cache during the hours of darkness.
The geocache is not at the listed co-ordinates and there is no need to enter the church to obtain the necessary information. To work out the coordinates you need to answer the following questions, all of which can be found in the church yard.
- How old was John Bickerstaff when he died? = A & B
- On the gravestone of Elsie Gladys Atkinson, what animals are mentioned? The number of letters = C
- What day in April did the wife of Cuthbert John Yeomans die? = D
- There is a grave and headstone of a most famous lord in the churchyard. How many years was he married to his wife Elspeth? = E & F
The cache is a short walk away and can be located at;
N52° (D-A). A (E+F) (D-E)
W1° ((D*3-(B+F)). (D+B+C) E
Checksum for all of the digits = 60
Please bring a pen. You will also need Tweezers.
Please replace the cache exactly as found for the enjoyment of others.
😀😀 FTF : JimJinks 😀😀
If you would like to add to the Church Micro series yourself then please look here