A member of the public has sent me the attached photo of a cast iron benchmark. There are several of these on Durham Road, Low Fell, Gateshead. They depict the Royal cyphers GR or ER. Underneath there is a space for feet and inches.

Presumably they mark the position of some sort of services? I wondered if they might be connected to the old tram system as there was a tram terminus close by.

The ‘finder’ suggests that they are G.P.O in origin, perhaps on the line of early phone connections?

Any ideas? Has anyone else got these in their patch?

Thanks

Jenny

Jennifer Morrison BA (Hons), MA, MCIfA

Tyne and Wear Archaeology Officer

Newcastle City Council

Planning

9th Floor

Civic Centre

Newcastle upon Tyne

NE1 8QH

Tel: 0191 2116218

Fax: 0191 2114810

E-mail: [log in to unmask]

Website: http://www.newcastle.gov.uk/planning-and-buildings/conservation-heritage-and-urban-design/heritage-and-conservation

On-line Tyne and Wear Historic Environment Record: www.twsitelines.info

Any statements, views or opinions within this e-mail are those of the author and are informal; they do not prejudice any decision that may be later taken by the Local Planning Authority.