Since this cache ranges over about three miles it is probably
most easily done with a short hop in a vehicle (certainly it is
possible with a bike). It could be done on foot as long as you
don’t mind walks of three’ish miles round trip. However you do it,
it will involve walking a couple of miles. But we think it is worth
it! You may take your doggy companions as much of the route is
traffic free.
Netley has a Castle, an Abbey, and the remains of a Victorian
military hospital; it also has a military cemetery containing the
mortal remains of the recipients of less successful treatment at
that Victorian hospital.
Henry the VIII decided to dissolve Netley Abbey in 1536 as a
result of his disagreement with the pope concerning his prodigious
number of wives. To add injury to insult, he decided to use some
the “dissolved” abbey’s stones to construct Netley castle, and gave
what was left of the abbey to his pal William Paulet, who converted
it into a private residence.
Just along the road in 1856 Queen Victoria decided that what was
needed for the unfortunate victims of the Crimea war was the Royal
Victoria hospital. Queen Victoria used to occasionally toddle over
from her place on the Isle of Wight and have a cup of tea and a
chat with the wounded soldiers, and sometimes pin the odd medal on
them whilst she was there. The hospital was huge (a quarter of a
mile long) Hospital
History. Unfortunately it was demolished in 1966. Fortunately
the impressive and huge chapel was spared, and one may for a small
fee, climb to the top of the tower for a spectacular view.
Both the Abbey and the former hospital allegedly have various
spirits who float around being transparent, whooooooooing, and
generally scaring the willies out of the locals.
Netley abbey Ghost!
Netley
Hospital Ghost
Quote about the Hospital ghost: “The Grey Lady has been seen by
countless frightened walkers. Said to be the ghost of a young nurse
who committed suicide after accidentally killing a patient”.
The castle for some unaccountable reason does not appear to have
a ghost, but is certainly worth a look at (It can be seen from the
beach south of the abbey, go east from the abbey to the park, then
onto the beach, then along a bit west!). King Charles 1st and
Elizabeth have stayed at the castle. But then she appears to have
stayed just about everywhere, and obviously was hardly ever at
home, maybe it saved on food and the electricity bill! The castle
is now converted into expensive and highly desirable apartments.
The
Castle
The Military cemetery is reached via a causeway and has in the
past seen many sombre funeral processions. However, today it is an
interesting and peaceful place. It is the final resting place of
hundreds of souls from Victorian conflicts and also includes staff,
and children of those working at the hospital. Many more are from
both world wars. Those interred there are from a surprising number
of countries. I don’t know if it has ghosts or not, but certainly
you wouldn’t get me there at night. Some of you may wish to visit
at night …. Good luck!!
Royal Victoria Country Park, which encompasses the chapel and
the military cemetery, has other facilities: including a miniature
railway (N50°52.036 W001°20.467), tearooms, loos, (N50°52.107
W001°20.307) spectacular views of the Solent, and an endless
procession of passing shipping.
Talking of passing shipping: There are always ferries and
hydrofoils passing by, but also you may see liners and huge square
container ships leaving and arriving. Their predicted times of
transit may be found here: Shipping
Movements
Across the road from the parking location is a large pond, wherein
the ducks geese, swans (The lone black swan is called Ted) and
other greedy avian inhabitants always welcome a tasty snack. If you
intend to feed them, grain, seed, lettuce, cabbage or brown bread
are better for them than white bread. Although quite oblivious to
good nutrition they will eat just about anything you can throw at
them.
Ok, now you probably want to know what to do:
Location 1. Well firstly make your way to: N50°52.711
BEWARE ..... the only day the abbey site is open at the moment is
on SUNDAY during restricted times, this was due to "antisocial
behaviour" at the site, this refers to the first clue !!!
W001°21.454 . Admission is free, and opening hours are April to
September 10am – 6pm, October to March 10am to 4pm. (There is
parking just inside the gate pointed out as “Netley Abbey”). Here
you may encounter “Blind Peter”, who was a monk, or the rather
sinister spectral figure of a former Abbot. Apparently they do not
confine their haunting activities to night time, and several
visitors have needed a sit down and a good strong cup of tea having
encountered one or other of these apparitions. Don’t say we
haven’t warned you! You will need to find August 192? (? =
A).
Parking Location: Now if you are driving, park at:
N50°52.216 W001°21.094 It is free, or if full up there is
parking on the road nearby.
Location 2. Now make your way to: N50°52.064
W001°20.648. When was the building completed? 18?3 (? = B)
Location 3. Next make your way to N50°51.927
W001°20.307. When did Churchill make that famous speech?
??/08/40 (?? – C which is TWO digits).
Location 4. Finally make your way to: N50°51.999
W001°19.897. Date associated with Victor Pallasch 2?.11.1914 (?
= D)
Now to find the cache location, fill in the gaps: N50°5D.01B
W001°-C.A74 (Don’t forget C is two digits).
The cache is in a location where your GPS will get a reading, but
all around it you may have weak signals. So you may need to
“triangulate” onto the location! Please ensure the lid is tightly
replaced on the cache, as it can get a bit soggy!
Hope you enjoy it!