Styles, significance and heritage value of Ordnance Survey artefacts: examples from northwest England

A variety of artefacts linked to the map-making activities of the Ordnance Survey can be found throughout northwest England. These were created at various times from the early- to mid-19th century through to the late-20th century. Most are no longer used for their original purpose and with the passage of time many have been damaged or destroyed, largely as a consequence of ignorance as to their former use and significance. The artefacts range in scale from a stone hut and related structures on Scafell Pike in the Lake District, to cut bench-marks (aka crow’s feet) that were inscribed on walls in both urban and rural settings. The decay and/or loss of these artefacts, which played a pivotal role in mapping the nation, is regrettable.