"Vox" Turtle Cache Traditional Cache
SirCrab: Unfortunately the owner did not respond to the previous note so this is being archived. Should the owner decide to repair/replace this and have it unarchived, it can be done as long as it still conforms to the guidelines.
Regards,
SirCrab
Volunteer Cache Reviewer
-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(regular)
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
This is our first hide; it is in the Loch Raven Watershed. It is a theme cache, so bring something turtle-like to hide it. Just a short distance from the road. Remnants of foundation from the house that stood there, Vaux Hall (see information below), can be seen. Make sure to check out the cemetery while you are there.
Here's a brief history of Vaux Hall as well as the surrounding land and homes built on Charles Jessop's land.
Charles Jessop (1759-1828) bought 200 acres of land in 1800 and began construction of a 26-room stone Georgian house that year. He named his home “Vaux Hall.” Over the years, he bought much land in Baltimore County, which then included Baltimore City. When he died he left each son approximately 250 acres, and each daughter a lot with a house in Baltimore City. Vaux Hall was named for beautiful gardens on the south side of the Thames River in London, and it is reputed that the gardens here were quite lovely and extensive. In the 1930s, much of this area including the Jessop lands, were inundated by construction of a dam for the city of Baltimore.
The following was taken from the will of Charles Jessop, who died in 1828: Item. I give and devise to my son William Jessop my Mansion house and two hundred and fifty acres of land lying on the West side of the Great Falls of Gunpowder, and all appurtenances thereto belonging. Item. I give and devise to my son George Jessop all the rest of a tract of land called “Benjamin’s Hills and Vallies” and all the rest and residue of my lands by whatsoever names they may be called and known that lies to the west and adjoins the last mentioned devise and Beginning at the place where my son William is directed to begin, and running with and binding on said lines till they reach the division line between me and the aforementioned Nicholas Merryman of Elijah and thence round with the outlines of my land to the place of beginning, supposed to contain two hundred and fifty eight acres more or less, to him my said son George Jessop his heirs and assigns in fee simple forever.
The land which George Jessop (1803-1887) inherited from his father included the present day properties known as Kenilworth and Ivanhoe.
Vaux Hall was torn down when the watershed was built. The other two houses (Ivanhoe and Kenilworth) are still standing
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Jvyqrearff fnapghnel, ab uhagvat, ivfvgbef jrypbzr