Locating Benchmarks, Preserving Heritage: The Laois Benchmarks Project

Ordnance Survey Benchmarks, also known as crow's feet, were symbols cut into stone structures throughout Ireland from the 1830s as part of an exercise to measure height across the island. Part of our cultural landscape for nearly two centuries, they are often hidden in plain sight, in towns, cities and rural parts of Ireland. Unfortunately, benchmarks lack protected status in Ireland and many have disappeared over time due to demolition, redevelopment and environmental change.

Join Kevin Sheehy for a talk on the Laois Benchmarks Project. The project aims to locate and record surviving benchmarks in Laois, raise awareness of their existence, and preserve them for future generations.