More interesting facts from Irish Methodist Genealogy ……..

“In 1824 a House of Commons committee recommended a townland survey of Ireland, with maps at a scale of 6 inches, to facilitate a uniform valuation for local taxation. The Duke of Wellington, then prime minister, authorised this, the first Ordnance Survey of Ireland. The survey was directed by Colonel Thomas Colby, who commanded officers of the Royal Engineers and three companies of sappers and miners.” (Ordnance Survey Memoirs of Ireland)

The Methodist Church at Athlone bears the British Government arrow survey mark where the Ordnance Surveyors started mapping Ireland – it was regarded as the centre point of Ireland.