Height of Cheviot trig pillar

I am an outdoor writer with a special interest in the Cheviot Hills. Perhaps you could spread some light on a particular mapping point that has long bugged me & on which I would like some definitive/expert answer. On the current Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 map of the Cheviot (GRNT909205) the summit height is shown as 815 metres giving an imperial measurement of 2673.852 feet. Previous imperial maps (ie in Tom Stephenson`s original 1969 guide to the Pennine Way & others of the period) show the imperial measurement as 2676 feet. Somewhere along the line we seem to have lost just over 2 feet in height.

Are you able to give me the exact imperial measurement & the date when this was last calculated. I would like to be absolutely correct in all my articles/books etc.

Thank you for your e-mail dated 23rd March 2010. I regret to inform you that Ordnance Survey is unable to advise you of the exact imperial measurement of the summit of The Cheviot Hills, or the date this was last calculated, as we no longer hold this information. Our historic information is held at TNA (The National Archives) and we suggest you contact them as follows for further assistance:

The National Archives

Kew

Richmond

Surrey

TW9  4DU

 Tel: 0208 876 3444

www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/contact

However, we are able to provide you with the following advice, which is by no means an expert answer, but may assist you.

Cheviot trig pillar is fitted with a flush bracket with an archive altitude of 817.47m. The flush bracket was 2.59 metres above ground level in 1973, 1.20 metres of this being a base constructed to protect the base of the pillar due to erosion of the surrounding peat. This means the ground level in 1973 was approximately 2673.50 feet.

The top of the hill is recorded as being a ‘peat bog’.  The base of the pillar would have been at ground level when it was constructed but the peat has since weathered away exposing the base (other pillars built on peat (Fell Top for example) are also now several feet in the air due to erosion). We would therefore suggest the difference in summit height, is likely to be due to the top of the hill becoming eroded. 

Please note that your enquiry has been processed to Freedom of Information guidelines.  As all requested information has been provided, we have determined that in all the circumstances of this case the Public interest consideration (section 17 FOIA) is not applicable in this instance.

If you are unhappy with our response, you may raise an appeal to our Appeals Officer at:

Complaints Team

Customer Service Centre

Ordnance Survey

Romsey Road

SOUTHAMPTON

SO16 4GU  

Please include the reference number below. The Appeals Officer will ensure that the process has been followed correctly, questioning any decisions taken regarding the original response and recommending disclosure of additional information if appropriate.

Reference number: FOI1056/March 2010