The Little Known Symbols on Lady Lane

Many people choose Lady Lane in Croft as part of their local walk. Not many people will have noticed the symbols made up of straight lines that are carved into walls along the route. They are in fact bench marks.

What are bench marks?

Bench marks are the visible manifestation of Ordnance Datum Newlyn (ODN), which is the national height system for mainland Great Britain and forms the reference frame for heights above mean sea level.

Most commonly, the BMs are found on buildings or other semi-permanent features. Although the main network is no longer being updated, the record is still in existence and the markers will remain until they are eventually destroyed by redevelopment or erosion.

Where can I find the bench marks?

There are two bench marks on Lady Lane. One is at Croft Unitarian Chapel and one is at Christ Church.
The bench mark at Croft Unitarian Chapel is on the boundary wall, which means it is not in its original position, as Warrington Borough Council have rebuilt the wall. (It does seem to be at the correct height above the ground level).

Bench mark at Croft Unitarian Chapel

Bench mark at Christ Church

Croft Unitarian Chapel Bench Mark

Description: WALL ENTRANCE BURIAL GROUND WEST SIDE LADY LANE SOUTH EAST ANGLE
Height: 22.8387m
Height above ground: 0.4m
Date verified: 1957

Christ Church Bench Mark

Description: CHURCH WEST FACE CHRIST CHURCH TOWER EAST SIDE LADY LANE
Height: 33.1592m
Height above ground: 1.2m
​Date verified: 1957