Man who rated over 300 benches in 7 years has finally found his first ever 10/10 bench
'No moment or bench will ever come close to this for me, I can proudly say I have found my 10,' Sam Wilmot proudly wrote.
It all began as a joke for Sam Wilmot, the man who runs the 18,590-and-counting-follower Instagram account Rate This Bench (@ratethisbench). He started the account in 2019, after a friend's remark. Since then, Wilmot has been going around rating more than 300 benches around England, Wales, and even Dubai, the BBC reported. However, none of the benches had received a perfect score until June 20, 2026. Wilmot rated the bench at St John The Baptist Church in Old Sodbury, South Gloucestershire, a solid 10 out of 10, and his reason why is heartwarming.
The perfect bench
Sam Wilmot had already rated the bench at St John The Baptist Church a 9 out of 10. But he gave it a 10 during his second visit — his wedding day. He explained, "But when we first discussed getting married, I mentioned that I would like this church to be involved purely on the basis of this bench." He wrote in his caption, "I’d always held back a mark for the 'wow' factor, and previously scored this bench a 9/10. But the overwhelming feeling of joy and awe in this moment is the wow. No moment or bench will ever come close to this for me, I can proudly say I have found my 10. In Sophie, and this bench." He believed that there would never be another 10 again because nothing compared to the "euphoria of marrying a person you've loved for so long." He concluded the post, "I know there will be benches in the future, but following this will forever be a struggle. Perfect, 10/10."
The woman behind the camera
Even though 'Rate This Bench' began before the two met, Sophie played an integral role in helping the account grow. The bench already had sentimental value for the couple. Wilmot said his first exchange with Sophie seven years earlier was “bench related,” and she soon became the person behind the camera for many of his reviews. She said, "Taking the photos of all the benches is something I feel very grateful for, not only to help, but mainly be a part of the journey." As for the 10/10 bench, Sophie and Wilmot knew it would be very important for them. She said, "When I met Sam, and we discovered the bench in our early time of dating, I knew it would be a place of significance for us."
Capturing the ordinary
However, Wilmot's Rate This Bench is not the only account that has a huge following by celebrating the ordinary. A few others include AWA (@accidentallywesanderson), a page dedicated to finding various locations around the world that match the rich pastel and vintage tones seen in an Anderson film. The account has 1.9 million Instagram followers. There is Seth, also known as @dudewithasign. He stands around in different locations holding up handwritten messages on a brown cardboard box. He has amassed 7.1 million followers so far.
Never thought there would be a 10/10
People who have followed Wilmot for years are congratulating him for finding the love of his life and the perfect bench. @mrchrisbuck commented, "It’s been a fun journey for all of us. Never thought I’d see a 10/10. Congrats from San Francisco." @avrilreads_andrambles added, "Why, yes Instagram gods, I will follow the man who rates benches. Love a weird hobby over here (mine is spotting postboxes). Also 10/10 for the way you speak about your goddess of a wife and massive congratulations to you both."
You can follow Rate This Bench (@ratethisbench) on Instagram for more bench content.
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