Hi. My name is Frank.
I like bench marks. Fundamental, Cut, Rivet, Pivot, Projecting Bracket and Flush bracket BMs you name them, I like them all.
Even Environment Agency bench marks that I come across in my travels and have been known to view their database as part of my research into an area.
Why an interest in Bench Marks?
I first used a bench mark when I was studying basic surveying as an apprentice, I was also interested in OS mapping having used them as part of my membership as a Cub, Scout and Venture Scout.
Since taking early retirement I was looking to extend my knowledge in my Ordnance Survey interest so I considered researching Trig Points but although these were of interest they are also quite far apart and usually on top of hills! Even though there were some 6 500 built, so very many to be located. Quite a few also have Flush Brackets built in so should have a levelling interest? but they have not been around for as long as the early benchmarks (some one hundred years later).
On further investigation I decided to further my research into Ordnance Survey Bench Marks. As initially I only had a fairly limited knowledge of basic BMs and soon found that there was much to be looked into. I also wanted to continue using my presentation skills developed through some forty years as a college lecturer in Further Education (teaching from Carpentry and Joinery Craft level through to Construction Degree level).
Bench Marks today
The best bench marks to find are the ones that you think have been lost or covered over by rendering and as in most cases the structure has been extended but hopefully the bench mark has been preserved ready to reappear when the rendering fails?.
My advice to anyone who would like to spend time looking for BMs is to check the OS mapping at 1:2500 scale (Godfrey Edition reproduction maps are very useful, if available for your area of interest or use the National Library of Scotland) to identify the BM’s position, then go out and walk the ground to actually find them and photograph them for the record, a downside to Benchmarking that I have found is the search becomes very difficult in wet weather! most maps get a bit soggy and spoilt but good daylight also helps.
Frank R Iddiols
B Ed(Hons), FIOC, LCGI, Tech IOSH(Retired), DMS,
Qualifications: Batchelor of Education with Honours,
Certificate in Education,
Licentiateship of the City and Guilds Institute,
Diploma in Management Studies,
Various City and Guilds qualifications as follows:
Carpentry & Joinery Craft and Advanced Craft,
Machine Woodworking Craft and Advanced Craft,
Full Technological Certificate.
National Examination Board for Occupational Safety and Health Certificate.
Previously Associate of the Charted Institute of Building (no retired membership for this grade so had to leave after after 40+ years)
Master Carpenter,
Freeman of the City of London. (not really so much a qualification but a long term interest)
My membership of various organisations including the following:
Institute of Carpenters, Central Section (past Chairman of Council)
St Albans & Hertfordshire Architectural & Archaeological Society (also Council Member).
Charles Close Society
Tools And Trades History Society
Institute of Advanced Motorist (and local group member)
Friend of St Albans Cathedral
Friend of Newlyn Archive
Technician member of the Institute Of Health and Safety (Retired)
Dagnall Street Baptist Church (Archivist from 2018 & A/V responsibility)
Past membership of various organisations some listed:
past Associate member of the Charted Institute of Building no retired membership available for this level of membership.
past member of the British Off Road Driving Association
