The village of Woodbury in East Devon boasts 2 pubs, takeaway, shops, cricket ground, tennis courts, orchard, play area and breathtaking scenery on a par with if not better than anywhere in Devon. Nearby Woodbury Common owned by Clinton Devon estates offers magnificent views and great walks.
This is not a cache and dash but aims to take you on a pleasant stroll to give you a flavour of this amazing village. I would estimate that it would take around 45 mins to complete.
Each stage has a marked waypoint and although you can do them in any order I have assumed you will have parked near the village green.
Stage 1 The Arch (shops) N50 40.473 W003 24.230
This area in Woodbury is know as the arch but I haven't come across anything to suggest a feature ever existed here to give it its name. The shop in front of you has historically been a hardware store but changed to a bike shop when the previous owner of the hardware store retired and more recently a salon.
Stand on the pavement opposite the shops. Look up at the old writing in the shop front brickwork (just below 1st floor windows) number of letters in 3rd word = A
Stage 2 St Swithuns Church N50 40.549 W003 24.209
The parish church, dedicated to Saint Swithun is early 15th century (consecrated in 1409): the Perpendicular style is mixed with elements of the older Decorated. Interesting features include the woodwork of the screen, the 15th century font, Elizabethan altar rails, Jacobean pulpit, and an early 17th-century monument to a man and his wife (recumbent effigies on a tomb-chest).
Look for the decorative wooden bench. On the back rest are some words underneath the flowers. Number of letters in last word = B
Stage 3 The Old Fire Station N50 40.553 W003 24.161
This is the site of the old Woodbury fire station which pumped water up from the culvert which flows underneath. It is currently used as a garage.
Number on wooden post with yellow background = CDE6
Stage 4 The Village Allotments N50 40.642 W003 24.147
The Allotments Act of 1887 was passed to facilitate the provision of allotments for the labouring classes. The first allotment in Woodbury village was opposite Parsonage House and is mentioned in a coroner's court record of 1894.
When were the allotments here established = FGHJ
Stage 5 St Swithuns Cemetery N50 40.699 W003 24.051
The number of letters in 1st word on Dove plaque on left side gate = K
Stage 6 Parsonage Cross N50 40.709 W003 23.982
The Cross stands on the site of the Old Village Pound where stray livestock were impounded. Animals were kept in a dedicated enclosure, until claimed by their owners, or sold to cover the costs of impounding.
When was the Parsonage Cross erected = LMN2
Plaque is currently missing it was erected in 1922
Stage 7 The Village Green N50 40.517 W003 24.158
The village green contains the Woodbury War Memorial, memorial bench village sign and a small play area. It also hosts a number of events through the year.
Look for a recently planted tree. On the wooden supporting structure is a small metallic disc. what is the number = PQR
Checksum: A+B+C+D+E+F+G+H+J+K+L+M+N+P+Q+R = 85
The final co-ordinates for the cache are:
N(C)0 (B)0.(G-5)(A+M-12)(D+E) W00(H-J) (R-Q)(N+P).(L+F)(B)(K)