Terris Novalis
Art In Consett, County Durham
Two huge sculptures of 19th century surveyor's instruments standing on freaky feet!
After receiving countless emails to the Fabulous North inbox asking us why we aren't posting about 19th century surveyors instruments with weird feet, we have finally caved in. So here you go, it's Terris Novalis.
Perched up on a small rise near Consett they are two huge sculptures of an engineer's level (used for high level horizontal accuracy) and a theodolite (used to measure horizontal angles). Built out of stainless steel they are over 20 times the size of the regular instruments and are a reflection of the industry history of the region.
They are actually located on the original steelworks site and right next to the old Stanhope and Tyne Railway line (the oldest commercial railway line in Britain).
From a distance everything appears normal, until you take a closer look at the freaky feet of the sculptures. The level is propped up by the feet of a lion, cow and bird of prey, whereas the theodolite stands on a horse hoof, a human hand and the foot of a lizard or crocodile.
The feet are said to be inspired by - symbolic heraldry found on shields, coats of arms, plaques and items associated with land and ownership.
Terris Novalis translates to “in newly cultivated lands”.
If you are on your bike and fancy visiting nearby sites, then continue east on the C2C cycleway and you will find the Old Transformers (5km away) and Old King Coal (a further 13km onwards).
Get 4 points if you have visited this place. Already visited by 39 VIPs.
Login to the VIP area to add places to your bucket list, mark them as visited and more importantly see where you rank on the league table.
How To Find Terris Novalis
Where To Park For Terris Novalis?
Lat / Long
54.84852, 54.84852
What three words
Easiest place to park is in the neary retail park (Matalan or Morrisons) and then it's just a 5 minute walk to the sculptures.
Contributed by Simon Hawkins
Thanks for checking out this place on the Fabulous North! I do enjoy a wander out in to the countryside trying to find hidden gems that not many people know about. You can't beat a rogue Pele tower up a remote hill or a mysterious stone circle or a stunning waterfall secluded in a forest.
More Places from SimonMore Places In Consett
Find more fabulous places in Consett, County Durham and if you know of a place we haven't listed, then let us know.
Old Transformers
Art Consett County DurhamStatues of the Ironmaster and Coal Miner made from obselete components representing the legacy of the local steelworks.
Humber Hill Trig Point
Trig Point Consett County DurhamThe Humber Hill trig point is sitting in a field west of Lanchester (270m) near Consett.
Grange Farm Trig Point
Trig Point Consett County DurhamThe Grange Farm trig point is sitting in a field in Cornsay (280m) near Consett.
More Arts
So this art wasn't enough and you want more? Don't worry we have you covered.
Boxing Gloves
Art Peterlee County DurhamSix foot pair of boxing gloves commemorating the achievements of Maurice Cullen.
Little Tern Sculpture
Art Horden County DurhamArtwork inspired by the Little Tern colony which return to nest in Horden every spring.
River Tyne Old Buoys
Art North Shields Tyne And WearRedundant marine buoys that are artfully decorated and now sit on the banks of the River Tyne.
Never Miss A Fabulous Place
If you are afraid of missing out on all the fabulous places we post, or just want to be the first to know, then sign up to the Fabulous North.
Each week we will email you all the brand new places that we visit.
Sign Up To AlertsFind Us On Facebook
We post all our new places daily on our Facebook Groups page, so join the group today and be notified when we add a new place.
Join Our Facebook Group