THE GROTON CASTLE Traditional Cache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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This is a small, relatively simple cache hidden at an interesting site - the Groton Castle. This piece of property was privately owned prior to being donated to the town of Groton in 2003 and is now open to the public.
"The unfinished remains of Gen. William Bancroft’s castle attract many visitors to the hilltop. Bancroft, a Groton native, head of the Boston Elevated Railroad and mayor of Cambridge, began construction of a bungalow and the castle in 1906.
It became a private sanitarium in 1918, when owned by Harold Ayres, a prominent physician, and in the 1920s it became the Groton Private Hospital for tuberculosis sufferers. The bungalow hosted fox hunting parties by the Groton Hunt Club, dinners, dances and nature outings in the 1930s, but fire destroyed it, leaving only the remains of a stone observation tower". (from the Groton Sentinel)
There are several places to park along route 40. The closest to the cache is at N42 36.403 W071 33.587 and another is slightly farther southwest at N42 36 374 W071 33 646. Both of these areas are small (room for two or maybe three cars) and marked by fieldstone columns.
Follow the green and white “Groton Trails” markers counter-clockwise around the fenced-in field to get to the castle at the top of the hill. Do not cut through the field - the black angus cattle that may be grazing there do not like that!
The container is a small glass jar covered with camo tape. Original contents include finders' stickers (take one as souvenir, no need to trade), log book and pencils.
PLEASE NOTE: THE CACHE IS NOT HIDDEN WITHIN THE CONFINES OF THE CASTLE. THERE IS NO NEED TO TEAR THE CASTLE APART!
This cache should be done in the daytime because the Currier & Ives view is fantastic. Also there is private property on both sides of the access trail and the neighbors might be alarmed by late night visitors.
The original gatehouse for the castle is now a private residence opposite the Town Hall on Main Street (N42 36.507 W071 34.290) and there is a plaque commemorating Gen. Bancroft.
Good luck!
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