Milepost

The milepost located on Skipton Road in Ilkley dates from the 19th century and is made of cast iron mounted on a shaped stone backing post. It is positioned on the side of the A65 at a junction with a minor road. The iron post is triangular with a sloping top and features a semi-circular headed plate above, all attached to a stone that shares the same shape. The milepost has black lettering on a white background.

The inscriptions on the milepost read: to the right, "ILKLEY/ 1 1/2 MILES// OTLEY/ 7 1/4 MILES" and to the left, "BOLTON/ BRIDGE/ 4 MILES/ SKIPTON/ 8 MILES." At the top, it states "SKIPTON & OTLEY/ ROAD/ ILKLEY."

Historically, cast iron mileposts were introduced in the 19th century, often replacing earlier stone markers. Following the establishment of County Councils in 1888, the West Riding Council took over the responsibility for main roads and replaced many mileposts on its routes. This particular milepost first appeared on the 1891 edition of the Ordnance Survey map, where it was also marked as a benchmark, although it has since been moved from its original position, likely due to the removal of the adjacent railway line.

The milepost is designated at Grade II for several key reasons: it is a well-preserved example dating to around 1888, it represents an important phase in the development of the road network, and it has group value with two other mileposts of the same type and date along this main road.