The building
The building near the cache's location is one of the several pubs that lay claim to being the oldest in England, claiming to have been in business since 793 AD. Its claim to this date is somewhat uncertain: the building is described by Historic England as being of 16th-century appearance, and the earliest date for which it might have been licensed is 1756. Other pubs in Bolton, Greater Manchester, and Nottingham also make unproved claims to being the oldest. Despite being once listed as the oldest in England by the Guinness World Records, the record was withdrawn from consideration in 2000 because it was deemed impossible to verify.
The first known reference to it being an alehouse is in 1756 when it appears to be trading as The Three Pigeons. Around 1800 its name changed, perhaps in reference to the sport of cock fighting which was popular at the time and which may have taken place in the main bar area. It is known by locals as 'The Fighters' or 'The Cocks', but you may be able to see its current name in a few plaques around the building.
The main structure is free-standing and has an octagonal appearance, attributable to its original use as a pigeon house. It has been added to over the years but the original timber-framed structure is clearly visible. It was originally close to St Albans Cathedral (when it was St Albans Abbey) and was moved to the present site sometime after the dissolution of the Abbey in 1539. Its foundations are claimed to be even older, dating from around 793 but again this is dubious. It is claimed that there are tunnels running between the cathedral and the pub's beer cellars which were once used by monks. As with many old buildings, the ceilings are quite low. An original bread-oven is next to one of the fireplaces.
The cache
You do not have to enter the building to retrieve this cache, nor is it attached to its walls or property! The container is a small metallic box hidden in the small parking lot next to the building. It is at about waist-high and easily accessible.
There is also an adjacent picnic area by the River Ver and a bridge over it that leads to the Verulamium Lake, very popular for family walks during the weekend. Due to its proximity to the river, always keep a close eye on your children. You may want to watch out for muggles during busy times while retrieving the container, but you should be able to do it very discreetly.
