A STONE in Salisbury, which has marked the British history of map making for hundreds of years, has been treated and re-set to continue its tribute.

The landmark, opposite Old Sarum, pays homage to the triangulation system used in 1794 to help map the south coast of England, developed by second lieutenant and mathematician in the Royal Artillery, William Mudge.

The military was tasked with the mapping feat in 1791, in fear of a French invasion.

In the early days of Salisbury a theodolite, a rotating telescope that measures angles, was placed on top of an upright cannon sunk into the ground, and the reading was taken to another upturned cannon seven miles away at Beacon Hill.

To symbolise this moment in history the marking stone was erected in the same area, but over time it has become loose, lichen covered and overgrown.

Following an enquiry from Salisbury Local History Group, Salisbury City Council re-set the marker stone, to enable budding historians to continue enjoying the map making relic.

Leader of the council, councillor Jeremy Nettle said: "Thank you to the local history group and the Salisbury City Council Grounds Team for their roles in re-setting the marker stone for visitors to enjoy now and in the future.

"The historical stone helps us to remember Salisbury's important contribution, a great milestone to the very beginning of map making."