Fig.2 shows how Tinkinswood splits its three locating lines into precise ratios
PRECISE RATIOS
It might seem a hard task to get three lines linking geographical features to intersect. But the builders of Tinkinswood went one further. They ensured that the intersection (where Tinkinswood is located) bisected each line in a precise ratio. They even managed to get two lines (‘Rivers’ and ‘Mountain’) with the same ratio – 3:5; while the third – the ‘Coastal’ line splits in the ratio 6:2. Given these ratios, the work that must have gone into locating Tinkinswood seems quite incredible and does suggest that it was no mere burial chamber but must have had a significance that went way beyond what was normal.
At a time before roads it would be difficult enough to select six prominent geographical features and then to position a site exactly where the lines connecting them intersected. But to do this so that the segments of each line was in each case a precise whole number distance almost beggars belief. It would be no easy task today even with computer mapping.
Fig.2 shows how Tinkinswood splits its three locating lines into precise ratios
These ratios help us to confirm the measurements of the lines – for instance, where we have to make an allowance for coastal erosion. In the case of the ‘Rivers’ line – which runs between two river mouths – they help us to tie the ends of the line to a precise spot represented by a single map reference. For more information click on the ‘Rivers’ line link below.
The ratios show up as whole number distances when the length of the lines is calculated using the ancient measure of the pole. Tinkinswood’s three locating lines are, respectively, 8,000, 8,000 and 4,000 poles in length. 8,000 poles is 1/1000th of the circumference of the earth. More information on the pole is given below.
Precise ratios also occur in other lines with which Tinkinswood is associated including the ‘East-West’ line, the ‘Machen line’ and the ‘Llandaff Cathedral’ line. Information on these lines appears later in this narrative.
NEXT:– Tinkinswood Linked to Other Geographical Features
BACK: – The Precise Location of the Cairn
MORE DETAIL: The Rivers Line
The Pole - an Ancient Unit of Measure
Tinkinswood's Relationship to Other Sites.htm