The Hemswell group

The topography of Lincolnshire being flat necessitated the use of triangulation stations on elevated positions.

Lincoln Cathedral was one of those used. The climb was up a narrow spiral stone staircase which prevented the use of back packs, I forget the actual number of steps but am sure that it was in excess of 200. The theodolites , lamps and batteries had to be carried up in ones arms. I spent many hours on the top lightkeeping.
Details from OS  Lincoln - SK9771 - On the roof of the Central Tower, where the nave meets the transepts.

Other elevated trigs were on Church towers and water towers. Water towers required the surveyor to climb up a ladder usually under the tank, along a walkway and finally up a ladder on the outside of the tank. The tops were curved surfaces which required great care by the surveyor.

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Lincoln cathedral

Reproduced with the kind permission of Jonathan Rawle

http://jonathan.rawle.org/gallery

I cannot find any photographs of the period but thanks to the ORDNANCE SURVEY

I have photographs of the top of Lincoln Cathedral & Bilby Towers

I cannot find any photographs of the period but thanks to the ORDNANCE SURVEY

I have photographs of  Bilby Towers under construction & completed

The Completed Tower is 103ft high, we never need the full height and most were either 30ft or 60ft

We were trained in the construction of these towers by the Ordnance Survey

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