BENCHMARKS continued
A
Cut Benchmark with Bolt; another first for Michael Byrne from his
hunt in Edinburgh; and it appears, another first for this website,
because M.C. and Benchmarker can not recall ever encountering one
before. Michael Byrne explains “This is the first one of
this style I have found, known apparently as a "Cut Benchmark
with Bolt". Consisting of the usual arrow marks, it has two
additional flared cuts pointing to a central slotted bolt. As the
'mark was cut into stone with a very gnarled face, the outline is
difficult to see in the up close photo. To clarify, I have included a
Photoshop version, in which I have outlined each cut. No Benchmarks
were harmed in the making of this photo! This mark is cut into the
bottom left corner of the foundation wall facing the pathway, on the
National Monument of Scotland, which dominates the top of Calton
Hill. The incomplete monument, modeled on the Parthenon, was erected
as a memorial to the soldiers and sailors who died fighting in the
Napoleonic Wars. Building began in 1826 (the builder was Messrs
William Wallace & Son!) but ceased in 1829 for lack of funds. It
stands to this day unfinished, despite various attempts since to
complete it, owing to lack of funds and lack of local enthusiasm.
Below:
A Cut Benchmark with Bolt on the National Monument of Scotland,
Calton Hill,
Edinburgh, Scotland. And below that - the Photoshoped version.
Above:
The National Monument of Scotland on Calton Hill. The 'mark,
impossible to see in this photo, is at the bottom left
hand corner facing the path.
