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Gunters chain, c. 1880 (iron & brass)
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Gunters chain, c. 1880 (iron & brass)
701085 Gunters chain, c.1880 (iron & brass) by Chesterman, James (fl.c.1880); length: 201.2 cm; David Russell Collection; (add.info.: A Gunters chain measures the distance of 1 chain or 22 yards, the distance between the wickets on a cricket pitch, and is named after its creator, Edmund Gunter (1581-1626), Professor of Astronomy at Greshams College, London, and a mathematician, who designed his chain in the 1620s for land measurement. Gunters chain comprises a hundred links marked off into groups of ten by brass tags. A circular tag marks the half chain and a further two sets of tags (of one, two, three and four teeth) mark the remaining eight decimal graduations. Rectangular areas of land can be computed by measuring two adjacent sides using Gunters chain. The product of the two lengths can be converted to acres by dividing by ten since there are 10 square chains in an acre. For example, a rectangular plot of land measures 7.5 chains by 25 chains: the area is 187.5 square chains or 18.75 acres. Although designed primarily for pioneering map-making, designation of land holdings and for urban planning, it was used extensively for surveying irregular areas by normal triangulation methods.1
Gunters chain was fundamental in the surveying of the eastern United States and, from 1785, the grid that formed the basis for city blocks. In 1829, James Chesterman, the founder of the firm which made this Gunters chain, patented the spring tape measure. His firm was amalgamated with John Rabone & Sons in 1963 and was taken over by Stanley Tools Ltd in 1990.
); English, out of copyright
Media ID 22956794
© Bridgeman Images
Chain Connection Connections Cricket Distance Equipment Gauge Implement Measure Measurement Standard Tool Tools Wicket Module
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This print showcases a Gunters chain, crafted in the late 19th century by James Chesterman. Made from iron and brass, this remarkable measuring tool measures approximately 201.2 cm in length. The Gunters chain holds great historical significance as it was designed by Edmund Gunter, an esteemed mathematician and astronomer, in the early 17th century. Named after its creator, this chain served as a means of land measurement and played a crucial role in pioneering map-making and urban planning. Comprised of one hundred links marked with brass tags, this chain allowed for precise measurements of rectangular areas of land. The distance between wickets on a cricket pitch is equivalent to one chain or 22 yards, making the Gunters chain an essential tool for surveying such spaces. Moreover, this versatile instrument enabled surveyors to calculate irregular areas using triangulation methods. By measuring two adjacent sides with the Gunters chain and multiplying their lengths together, accurate acreage could be determined. Notably, Gunters chains were instrumental in surveying the eastern United States and establishing city blocks based on a grid system starting from 1785. This particular piece was created by James Chesterman's firm which later merged with John Rabone & Sons before being acquired by Stanley Tools Ltd. As we admire this photograph capturing history frozen in time, let us appreciate the ingenuity behind Edmund Gunter's creation that revolutionized land measurement techniques centuries ago.
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