Campaign to List Historic Trig Points in England

Heritage campaigners, led by the Twentieth Century Society (C20), are advocating for the listing of two significant trig points in England: the first, built in Cold Ashby, Northamptonshire, and the last, located at Thorny Gale in Cumbria. These concrete pillars, measuring 120 cm (4 ft), were integral to the Ordnance Survey's Retriangulation of Great Britain project, which began 90 years ago. The application for Grade II-listed status has been submitted to Historic England, emphasizing the cultural and historical significance of these structures, despite their obsolescence due to modern GPS technology.

The Guardian

Trig points were designed by Brig Martin Hotine, a Royal Engineers officer, to facilitate accurate mapping of the British Isles. The network of over 6,500 trig points allowed surveyors to triangulate positions across the country, with visibility between points on clear days. However, many of these structures have been lost to urban development, agriculture, and coastal erosion. In the 1990s, the Ordnance Survey proposed demolishing some pillars to reduce maintenance costs, but this plan was abandoned following public backlash.

The Guardian

C20's application highlights that while trig points are now largely obsolete, they remain important landmarks for walkers and symbolize the British countryside. The organization argues that their cultural relevance extends beyond their original purpose. Notably, American author Bill Bryson has praised trig points in his writings, and they have inspired various cultural references, including the logo of the indie record label Angular Recording Corporation.

The Guardian

Catherine Croft, director of C20, stated, “Long before GPS, satellite technology and navigational apps on our mobile phones, trig points were the humble concrete pillars that mapped a nation.” She emphasized the opportunity to recognize these structures as the Retriangulation of Great Britain celebrates its 90th anniversary. C20 urges Historic England to acknowledge the historical importance of these trig points, describing them as “modest obelisks of modernity in the countryside.”

The Guardian

While the campaign has garnered support, some critics argue that the focus on listing these structures may overlook the need for broader preservation efforts for other historical sites. Concerns have also been raised about the practicality of maintaining these structures in the face of modern technology.

The Guardian

• “In a conclusion to the application, C20 said: “These modest obelisks of modernity in the countryside are remnants from a nationwide surveying project of unprecedented scale.” — Twentieth Century Society Application

The Guardian

• “Nothing beats the modest triumph of standing on top of a trig point in a brisk wind and we hope these two modern obelisks of concrete in the countryside will soon be recognised by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.” — Catherine Croft, Director of C20

The Guardian

The outcome of C20's application remains to be seen, but the campaign underscores the enduring legacy of these trig points as symbols of British heritage.

The Guardian