This mystery cache will lead you on a short walk around historic landmarks in Higham Ferrers. before you can find the final cache.
The cache is located at the following co-ordinates:
N052 18.E(A-B)C W000 35.FC(D-G)
Each letter in the above co-ordinates represents a number which you must find by visiting a historic location in Higham Ferrers. The coordinates of the places you must visit are listed, along with a clue to help you find the number each letter represents.
N52 18.376 W000 35.566 - Market Square
There are several historic things around the market Square, including the War Memorial, Town Hall, the Market Cross and several historic houses. Many of these have blue plaques (signs) explaining the historical significance of the location. You will need to read one of these plaques to find A.
A = the house number of the ‘Belgium house’.
N52 18.387 W000 35.527 - The Churchyard
At this location you can see St Mary’s Church, the Chantry Chapel, The Churchyard Cross, and The Bede House. As you enter the churchyard there is an information sign giving details about the history of these buildings. On this sign the entrances to the churchyard are marked with numbers. Use these numbers to find B.
B = Midland Road entrance + Market Square entrance
N52 18.415 W000 35.422 - The Library
At this location is a building that has had many uses, such as a library, a hospital, and parish rooms. To find C you will need to look at the Blue Plaque that tells you the year the building was built.
The year it was built is 19C4.
N52 18.509 W000 35.526 - Castle fields
There are two entrances to this park with a path connecting them. Near one of the entrances is an information sign, explaining the history of the castle that was once in this area. At the bottom of this sign is a picture of Higham Ferrers. To find D read the caption.
The picture is of Higham Ferrers mid 1Dth Century.
N52 18.498 W00035.655 - Cemetery
Here you will find Higham Ferrers Cemetery. There is no need to enter the cemetery. To find E you will need to read the blue plaque on the outside wall.
The mortuary chapel cost £1E50 to build.
N52 18.454 W000 35.578 - Chichele College
Here you will find the ruins of Chichele College, now maintained as a beautiful garden area. Although there is no need to go inside the ruins to find the number, they are well worth seeing. There is gate on the right hand wall of the building, which is usually open for the public.
To find F you need to read the blue plaque on the front wall of the college.
F = the number of the King mentioned on the blue plaque. (Knowing basic Roman numerals may help you).
N52 18.274 W000 35.659 - Hope Methodist Church
Although this building doesn't have a blue plaque it still has a lot of history, beginning when it was built in 1791. You can find out more about it's history on the church's website. There is a bench at the front of this church. This bench has a plaque on it, which you will need to look at to find G.
G = The number of times letter E is used on the plaque.
All the places are on paths and easily accessible. Please note that some of these waypoints are close to a busy road, so take care, especially if you have young kids or dogs. There is no need to enter private property to reach the waypoints. They are all in public areas. Car parking is available at the posted co-ordinates.