A British Metre...?

The much-maligned rod, pole or perch (16·5ft) (320 to the mile) was also equal to 15 of the old Northern feet.

A Northern Yard based on this foot would be rated at 1600 to the mile - as is the metre....

They are not exactly the same, but it would suggest that the Brits had a metre (divided into three feet) which got messed up when the present foot replaced it.

An idea to play with.