SOLVED

This sneaky little clue sent our treasure hunters to the bus stop opposite the sundial at the centre of the Alms Houses on Bexley High Street — a wonderfully odd meeting point for time, charity and public transport.

The twelve alms houses, known as Styleman’s Alms-houses, were built in 1755 for Bexley families in need. They were funded through the will of John Styleman — our clue’s “dapper man” — a wealthy Director of the East India Company who lived nearby at Danson Park and left behind a very generous legacy.

Right in the middle of the row stands the sundial, marked with the Latin phrase Tempus Fugit — “time flies”. And just across the road, waiting with perfect comic timing, is the bus STOP. Follow the shadows, spot the STOP, and the answer clicks neatly into place.

A generous clue, really — practically an act of charity in itself. But don’t get too comfortable, Sherlock: trickier trails are lurking just around the corner!