tech
Campaigners seek listed status for historic trig points that mapped Britain
Pillars at Cold Ashby, Northamptonshire, and Thorny Gale, Cumbria, bookended the project that modernised mapping
TL;DR
- Campaigners are seeking Grade II-listed status for two historic trig points in the UK.
- These trig points were part of the Retriangulation of Great Britain project, which modernized national mapping.
- Designed by Brig Martin Hotine, they were topped with brass plates for theodolites and brass loops for high winds.
- Although obsolete due to GPS and drones, trig points are popular with walkers and inspire a hobby called 'trig-bagging'.
- The Twentieth Century Society (C20) applied for listing status for the first trig point in Cold Ashby, Northamptonshire, and the last at Thorny Gale in Cumbria.
- Hundreds of trig points have been lost to development, farming, and erosion; none have been listed previously.
- Despite their obsolescence, trig points are considered cultural landmarks and symbols of the British countryside.