These 14th century ruins are the only standing remains of the medieval settlement of Boughton, originally within the Spielhoe Hundred. To the southwest, beyond the road is the roughly triangular Boughton Green, now covered in arable land, around which the village was sighted until its desertion in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. Here was held the three day fair, granted in 1353 to celebrate the nativity of John the Baptist. Woodcrafts and agricultural implements were chiefly sold on the first day, festivities with wrestling and horse back racing took place on the second and horses and cattle were sold on the third.
A turf cut maze, known as The Shepard's Race was later constructed on the green and thus was still visible in 1946
The church on this site was first mentioned in 1201, although it may have had Norman or earlier origins. It was built upon the sacred spring of John the Baptist, which issues from just beyond the eastern end behind the chancel. The present building fell out of use in the early 16th century, but the church yard is still in use.
The Church Ruins of St. John's are consecrated grounds, so could all visitors please respect this. There is no need to be rummaging around, as the cache has been respectfully located. The cache is a large clip box. The co-ordinates above are for the nearby car park. To start the hunt, you will need to go to N 52 17.022 W 000 52.811.
Close to this location through a window you will see the resting place of a gentlemen that has the birth date of January 17th 1880. Take the year of his demise and consider them to be ABCD.
The location of the cache is N 52 AC.9B9, W 000 (C-1)(Ax2).(B-2)(B-1)7.
Within the cache box is a laminated card that explains the mystery of this church. Go after dark.... if you're brave enough.........!!!!
Please leave this card in the cache as lots of ghost-hunters would be disappointed if it had gone!!