Church Micro 12812
St Mary's Church in Broughton Astley
The church of St Mary’s probably dates from 1220 although there is some evidence that there are remains from an earlier building circa 1100 incorporated into the nave walls. A Thomas de Astley or Eastley was Lord of the manor and patron of the church, and gives Broughton the ‘Astley’ name. The church consists of chancel, nave and north aisle of almost equal dimensions, with a west tower and spire.
It is built of stone with rubble walls and dressed stone quoins (cornerstones). A lead roof was replaced in 1666, generally with Swithland slates, although Westmorland slate has also been used. This was repaired extensively in 1989. As mentioned the very large north aisle is as large as the nave and with the large clerestory windows gives the church a pleasing light aspect.
The chancel, although heavily restored, is probably of the late 13th century. The large tower with walls almost six feet thick at the base is also 13th century, the spire is later (probably 15th century) and there is a narrow walkway around the base of the spire and the embattled tower.
In 1881-1882 the church was restored by the Victorians at a cost of £1725. The north porch was added in 1897 replacing a smaller one installed in 1691.The pipe organ installed in 1885 was removed in 2000 and this has revealed a fine double arch feature. The tower has eight bells ranging in dates from 1637 until 1972 when two bells were added to the six already installed.
The churchyard is no longer in use, but burials have now been transferred to the cemetery on Frolesworth Road nearby.
THE CACHE
At GZ, you will find yourself at the entrance of the Churchyard. Have a walk around, and as you look at this beautiful church, gather the information from this area that will help you solve the puzzle. You can find all the necessary information within the churchyard, please be respectful of any church service which may be in progress. Apart from question 1, all other info can be found on the headstones, each person you are looking for is named John, just to add to the challenge! Bring a pen so you can sign the log sheet.
1 - Inside the porch on the right is a plaque mentioning Queen Victoria, 1837 - 1**7. The third number, minus the second number. This number is C
2 - John Smith died on the */*/1802. Largest number, minus smallest number. This number is D
3 - John Bird died on 17/11/18*8. This number is G
4 - John Messenger died on 29/7/1842. He was *5 years old. This number is H
5 - John Carver died on 1*/3/1830. This number is E
6 - John Garrett died on 6/7/18*7. This number is J
7 - Another John Garrett died on 8/*/1848. This number is B
8 - John Johnson died on 24/2/1794 aged *9. This number is F
9 - John Bray died on *1/12/1*98. Largest number, minus the smallest number. This number is A
10 - John Sewell died on *0/4/1799. This number is I
Final coordinates to find the cache are N52 BE.AHG W001 CF IJD
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