OP
Engineer54
It is in the same place as the old rod, and as my house was built in 1826 there is no rubble - it is thick clay soil which is giving me a reading of 44 ohms which should get better over time. If the new rod had given me a rubbish reading or encountered rubble (not likely as the original one didn't) then I would have tried further away, but it didn't so it would be totally pointless to go half way down the garden for no reason. When (eventually) I repave the path it will be treated to a proper concrete pit.
What are you saying here, that house builders were cleaner in those days?? lol!! In thick top clay with a two coupled together 5/8'' rods, i'd be hoping and looking for an Ra of around 15 ohm as an initial value...
I'd hardly call a metre or so, half way down the garden, unless you only have a small yard out back!! lol!!