NUMBER 106

BENCHMARKS continued

With its still sharp lines, this one on the red-brick surround of a doorway on Woodfield Terrace in lovely Inchicore, looks as pristine as the day it was cut. It is interesting too for the fact that it extends over two of the bricks.

Below: The 'mark on Woodfield Terrace.

Above. Woodfield Terrace looking south-east with the roofs of the Inchicore Model School visible behind the wall at centre. The 'mark is at bottom right to the left of the doorway.

NUMBERS 104 & 105

BENCHMARKS continued

Two for the price of one. This pair is located on the base of the Martello Tower at Sandymount, Dublin. The one to the left is a true benchmark; Benchmarker has not yet discovered the role of the other one (with its associated writing and numerals) but it and many of its kind are a common feature on the 25 inch maps.

Below: The 'marks on the Martello Tower, Sandymount.

Above: Viewed from St John's Road, the Martello Tower, Sandymount, with the ‘marks at its base, near the centre.

NUMBER 103

BENCHMARKS continued

On Spy Wednesday 45 years ago Benchmarker hitched a series of lifts from Dublin to Donegal. On the leg that passed through the village of Collon, the driver pointed to the Church of Ireland building and said “That’s the only Russian Orthodox church in all of Ireland”. Like many urban/rural legends it contained a grain of truth because it appears that a number of Russian families lived in the village at, or just before, that time. Perhaps the authorities of the Church of Ireland kindly allowed them to share the building for their religious services. If so, then they would have passed by this ‘mark on the front of the church as they went to attend.

And they are not just big-hearted in the Wee County; they do things big in other ways too, as the ‘mark testifies. It is large, just like the one further along the main street on the old school (Number 13).

Below: The ‘mark on the Church of Ireland, Collon, Co Louth.

Above: Collon Church of Ireland with the ‘mark (difficult to see) near the base of the spire in the centre of the picture.

NUMBER 102

BENCHMARKS continued

With little trace of it left, this one at the entrance to Dublin Castle on Ship Street, could very easily be missed. To make sure it showed up in the photograph Benchmarker outlined the cuts by rubbing them with spittle - crude, uncouth, but effective; and so Benchmarker apologies if anyone’s sensitivities are offended but sometimes needs must.

Below: The ‘mark on Ship Street, Dublin.Above: The entrance to Dublin Castle on Ship Street with the ‘mark to the right of the larger arch, near the bottom. Nearby, Benchmarker’s trusty umbrella stands guard.

NUMBER 101

BENCHMARKS continued

There are a number of churches in the Dublin region that are named after Saint Mary. This one is located in Howth, just off the entrance road to the Castle. It was built in the early 19^th century and, except for the spire which was retained, was demolished and re-built in the middle of that century.

Below: The ‘mark on Saint Mary’s Church in Howth, Co Dublin.

Above: Saint Mary’s Church, Howth. The ’mark is located to the left of the door at the base of the spire, at bottom left.