HISTORIC mileposts in Warwickshire have been restored.
The project carried out by the Warwickshire arm of The Milestone Society saw six unique mileposts, along the A3400 between Long compton and Newbold-on-Stour, given an overhaul.
Each post had a new distance board made, as the originals had not survived, and was stripped and new parts made to replace missing ones.
Finally each were given four coats of paint to restore them to their original appearance.
The six surviving ‘Gaslamp’ style cast iron mileposts were originally located on the Stratford to Long Compton Turnpike. They are believed to be unique in their style in England and are of national importance with two already listed by Historic England.
Although The Milestone Society has been unable to determine the date on which the mileposts were installed, its research found records showing a petition to Parliament in 1825 which included provisions to extend the length of the turnpike along which the mileposts were located – suggesting they were installed in the years following.
Before the project started, only four of the six mileposts were still in position and they were in various states of decay. The other two were in storage.
The project was supported with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), and backed by Warwickshire County Council.
County council environment spokesman Jeff Clarke said:” It’s really important that we take steps to preserve the rich heritage we have in Warwickshire.
“It’s a fantastic example of different groups working together to make Warwickshire the best it can be.”
