What is a Curry Stool
Curry Stools, named after their resemblance to three-legged stools and the person who devised them: Ernest Curry / Cpl Ernie Curry, are an intriguing relic of the Ordnance Survey's efforts to map and survey remote areas. From 1936 through the 1960s, these concrete structures were strategically placed in marshy terrain where traditional trigonometric surveying methods faced challenges due to unstable ground.
The Ordnance Survey, tasked with mapping the landscapes of the United Kingdom with precision, encountered difficulties in establishing trigonometric points in certain regions characterized by marshlands. These areas posed significant obstacles for laying the foundations of traditional trig points. To overcome this challenge, the ingenious solution of Curry Stools was devised.
These three-legged concrete structures served as stable platforms upon which the theodolite, a precise surveying instrument, could be securely positioned. By providing a reliable and firm base in marshy terrain, Curry Stools enabled surveyors to conduct accurate measurements for mapping purposes. Their placement in remote and often inaccessible areas speaks to the dedication of surveying teams in ensuring comprehensive mapping coverage across the landscape.
Although the advent of modern surveying techniques and technology may have rendered Curry Stools obsolete, they remain as silent witnesses to the meticulous efforts of surveyors in overcoming geographical challenges. Today, encountering these curious structures while hiking through the hills offers a glimpse into the historical methods employed to chart the topography of the land.
There are still nine Curry Stools which can be visited. Below I have given the grid reference of each.
If you do pay them a visit don’t forget to give them a clean - even if it’s just using your boot to scuff off any vegetation. This way they will still be around for future generations.
Cellar Head - Isle of Lewis. Grid Ref: NB 54777 55560
Cam Hill - Shetland Isles. Grid Ref: HU 50015 92806
Ness of Copister - Shetland Isles. Grid Ref: HU 49328 78758
Scotasay Island - Western Isles. Grid Ref: NG 18515 97437
Killin - Monadhlaith Mountains. Grid Ref: NH 51250 09333
Rubh Aird na Sgitheich - Jura. Grid Ref: NR 47722 79025
Herdship Fell - Pennines. Grid Ref: NY 80020 32521
Iron Band - Pennines. Grid Ref: NY 83405 18653
Bink Moss - Pennines. Grid Ref: NY 87665 24217
Here is the link to the KZread video explaining how Trig Points actually work.
• How do trig points act...
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I've got to admit, it's not what I initially thought of when I heard 'curry stools'....
A random bit of information that will stay in my head forever, but you never know.
A curry stool is a type of survey mark used in peaty areas where a pillar would sink and natural rock was not available. The concrete, in the form of three arms meeting at a central point, sits on the peat and it was hoped to be a stable platform.
I spent years as a chainman and surveyor working in Queensland. Once GPS became commonplace would often use trig points for references. Was amazed how accurate some actually proved to be and often disappointed at how poorly many were maintained. Other survey marks were lock spits which were used when the ground was too stony or hard to place a survey post correctly. Many of these were over 100 years old. Many more have been destroyed by clearing fence lines along boundaries.
I live about 5 miles down in the valley from this Curry Stone. I came across it just before Christmas on my walk, and wondered what it was. Now I know. I revisited it this weekend (17 March) and not only cleaned it off with a conveniently left brush. But did some arial 360 degree shots with my drone. Which perfectly showed the scenic location around it.
I thought that it was either a) a folding stool that you "curried" with you so you could sit down or b) a morning-after-Indian-food blowout.
I don't know if I needed to know it or not but , I now know wtf a Curry Stool is . I may never be the same man again.
Never heard of a Curry stool before. Thank you
Have you tried using ponchos against the rain? Seems less work to put on & off🙂
I got an ad for hormels canned chilli. Thats hilarious. It picked up on "curry stool".
I spent long hours standing at cold, exposed trig points as a trainee land surveyor in the early 80s but always in the South of England so never seen or heard of a Curry Stool.
Im affected by the inverse of that law.
I hope you enjoy making these additional informative videos so we get to see many more, even on topics beyond navigation and cartography if they interest you. Your own fascination and amusement are evident, not a mere presenter but a fellow enthusiast.
I really enjoy your cheerful, no-nonsense dissertations. Keep 'em coming, comrade! 😊
Fascinating!! I knew a bit about trig points and have seen many on my travels, but I knew nothing of the Curry Stool! I do now and will never forget it! Thank you.😊
I came for navigation but the extra's and the waffles make this channel so much more. Thank you, Sir.
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Your presentations of a dry, but fascinating topic, are both instructive and enjoyable. Cheers.
Fantastic. Every day's a school day! I just love being able to listen to intelligent people talk about their passion. I'm no rambler, personally, although I love the countryside, but I always have time to listen to people talk about their passion.
Absolutely here for the poop jokes