North-West England heritage worker. Archivist and UK Agent at NINS, Pittsburgh, USA
Fifty years ago in January 1972, listed status was given to a matching set of six cast-iron mileage markers located along the B5405 between the villages of Woodeaves and Great Bridgeford in Staffordshire. The markers which dated from the mid 19th century each gave the distance in miles to Stafford, Newport and London. They were a rare survival as a complete set, cast specifically for placement along this rural turnpike. Sadly today, only one of the six survives. The first of the set, located at the junction in Woodeaves was destroyed in a road traffic accident about 15 years ago. The others are thought to have been stolen, probably to be melted down for scrap. This case I feel highlights two important points, the first that something being given listed status, does not, as some people assume, give it automatic magical protection, and secondly how important the Historic England #MissingPiecesProject is. With around half a million listed sites across the country, keeping an eye on them all is a near impossible task, but by engaging enthusiasts in the local communities, this job becomes easier, particularly with small items like these mileage posts. If for example Lichfield Cathedral vanished one day, one would imagine that its absence would be spotted pretty quickly, but a small cast-iron roadside sign is easily overlooked.
Dr Paul Belford
7mo
I wonder if photographs exist from which the 'lost' mileposts can be recreated virtually?
Nigel Jones
7mo
I suppose a 3d scan could be taken of this remaining one, osed as a pattern if recreation attempted?
Paul Vigor
7mo
"... by engaging enthusiasts in the local communities ..." - vital that the informed input of such non-salaried independents is recognised, acknowledged and respected.
Neil Wood
7mo
👆👆sharing quote…..’ They were a rare survival as a complete set, cast specifically for placement along this rural turnpike.’👆👆
Glyn Shepherd
7mo
They are such an important part of our heritage and countryside - I love seeing the mileposts, signposts and landmarks on our travels
Principal Heritage & Archaeology Consultant at SLR Consulting
7moI do love mileposts. Had a project a few years ago - in Oxfordshire I think. We wanted to move a milepost as part of a development to facilitate an access road. The local conservation officer would not give LB consent even though we were only proposing to move it 2m and that this would have actually protected it from vehicle strikes that it had already been damaged from (new access road or not). Poor thing was on a significant lean and covered in ivy too. We also proposed renovation works to its associated mileposts up and down the road which were in a sorry state. A point blank no which I thought was very short sighted.