BEFORE METRIC MEASUREMENTS became commonplace, many goods in the UK were sold by the foot or the yard. But how long was a foot? Or a yard?
In the north-east corner of Trafalgar Square, just behind one of the fountains, you’ll find the official brass plaque displaying the Imperial Standards of Length, created by the Board of Trade in 1876. It was here that Londoners would calibrate their rulers and measuring sticks.
