2003/17/1

Surveyor's chain used for making linear measurements in forests. Used early-20th C. in the Woodley area of Reading and elsewhere in Berkshire. 25 meters length, 4 wire and chain sections per meter, each meter denoted with a brass tag from handle (0) to 12 and 12 to handle. 12.5 not tagged.
This surveyor's chain was used for making linear measurements in forests. It was originally acquired by the donor in the 1950s from a man whose father used it in the early-20th century in the Woodley area of Reading and elsewhere in Berkshire. 25 meters length, 4 wire and chain sections per meter, each meter denoted with a brass tag from handle (0) to 12 and 12 to handle. 12.5 not tagged. Leather strap made at MERL, not original. Accessioned in 2003 as one single item (see image) entangled in a mess. Separated and treated in 2025 as two individual chains see 2003/17/2.

1 surveyor's chain: metal

MERL 'Handwritten accession' form (Museum of English Rural Life) – 'SURVEYOR'S CHAIN // Description // 1 SURVEYOR'S CHAIN: // ... Associated information // Acquired by donor in the 1950s from a Mr. Brian Abbot who said that his father had used it (in use early decades of 20th century). // Donor suggests it was used in the Woodley area of Reading, and Berkshire in general. // Surveyor's chains were used for making linear measurements in forests (i.e. for setting out buildings). See photocopy attached.', Photocopy of archive item ['Forset Tools & Instruments' by E. R. Huggard & J. H. Owen] – 'Chapter IV // Surveying Instruments // Chains and Tapes // The most useful instruments for making linear measurements in the forest are the chain and the linen tape. Although the steel tape or band is more accurate than either, it lacks the robustness of the chain... The chief disadvantage of a chain, normally used for the measurement of long extended lines, is its liability to linear alterations. It is also comparatively heavy and sometimes awkward to use in rough country...'

1900-01-01 - 1924-12-31

Early-twentieth century