2001.149.1

Gunter’s chain.

Measuring chain found at Heylipol.

measuring_chain.jpg

Tiree in 100 Objects – 41 – Gunter’s Chain

The History of Tiree in 100 Objects

Object Details

Other Number: not specified

Measuring chain found on Heylipol Farm

Chains such as this one were the standard method for measuring land for several centuries. Each link (straight section plus neighbouring round links) is just under 2 inches. There are 100 links in one chain making a total length of 66 feet. One acre is the area of 10 square chains, that is, 1 chain x 10 chains. They would have been used by the Duke`s factor to mark out crofters` land apportionments.

Normal Location: Main Store North: archive box 3
Current Location: normal location

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