A `Church Micro` cache at Aldham church
Aldham is a short distance from Hadleigh, being just on the opposite side of the bypass.
There are a series of Geocaches called Church Micros, as they are (reasonable obviously) placed near to Churches. They are never actually on Church property, but, as in this case, they often depend on you gleaning information from the Church and its grounds, to enable you to work out the final position of the cache. This allows you to explore some wonderful historic building in the process, and learn some interesting things as well. Three clues had to be obtained in this case, and duly pointed me to a spot a short distance from the church, where the cache was soon to hand!
One of the clues which helped find the final cache, was information on this sundial in the churchyard. So, some picture of this lovely country church of St Mary with it`s round tower.
The church itself is a flint church with stone dressings built circa 1340. A circular west tower has a 11c-12c base, which appears to be the oldest part. The chancel has a 14c kingpost roof and there are some 15c carved benches and lectern.
This church was derelict by the mid 19th century, and underwent a fairly late restoration, in 1883. The tower was rebuilt, as was the south wall of the nave. The roofs were replaced, giving an overwhelmingly Victorian appearance. There was another restoration of the inside in the early 20th century.
The setting of the church is beautiful and tranquil, and worth a visit just for the views.
The Three Tuns was situated at 106 High Street. This pub closed in 1911 and is now in residential use. It used to brew its own beer; the well used for this still remains and is under a covenant on the house that it cannot be altered. I took this photo in the morning having walked past this building many times but not noticed the sign. However, I love the sign, shame I missed the top of the image!
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