This geocache is inspired by a snippet from the 17th century antiquary John Aubrey's Natural History of Wiltshire (eventually published in the 19th century), writing of a time around the end of the 7th century (phew, what a mix of centuries there).
The old tradition is that St. Adelm, Abbot of Malmesbury, riding over the ground at Haselbury, did throw down his glove, and bad them dig there, and they should find great treasure, meaning the quarre.
This refers to the excellent quality stone to be found in these parts, which St Aldhelm is reputed to have used to build the original church at Bradford on Avon and also for Malmesbury Abbey; however, the stone had been discovered and used before that (at least back to Roman times, evidenced by a significant Roman villa at Box).
The Glove of St Aldhelm was once adopted as the logo of a local quarry; don't worry though, this Quest doesn't have you going down the mines.
This is a Quest to find St Aldhelm's Glove. I'm not sure that we shall still find St Aldhelm's Glove at Hazelbury though – it may have moved around over the centuries! Your Quest starts below (modified June 2017).
This is not an easy Quest and comprises several stages incorporating reasoning, stealth, physical flexibility, and possibly a little strength of nerve. But all the stages were set without the aid of extreme equipment or skills, and the cipher is not intended to be too tricky, so this cache's rating falls slightly short of the ultimate 5/5! However, certain basic equipment will be required, along with one piece of special equipment that will be provided. Please take care at the more challenging stages; we don't want any accidents. I have left the "Kid Friendly" attribute blank, although, as usual, I was ably assisted at times by my two young GeoSons who had fun while we were scouting and setting.
Not all the stages are available 24/7, but you will work that out for yourselves.(No longer applicable after this log.)
The best of luck on your Quest.
Congratulations and blessings upon the Sisterhood of the Big Red Cat at their success of Primus Invenire. All at the Abbey of St Abanazar acknowledge the Sisterhood's fortitude and perseverance as pioneering pilgrims in their Quest for the Glove. Their success is well deserved and should be celebrated. Peace be upon them, and good luck to all future Questers.