Milestone

The milestone located on Hardings Lane in Ilkley is a Grade II listed structure dating from the 17th to 18th century. This rectangular stone block stands approximately 1 metre high and is positioned by the roadside at a junction.

The front face of the milestone is flat with a squared top, while the sides are fairly flat but taper towards the top. The front is inscribed with the words "TO RIPON 15 M," accompanied by a crudely incised hand below that points to the right. On the left side, the inscription reads "TO KEIGHLEY 5 M," with another crudely incised hand above pointing to the left.

Historically, this stone is marked as a guide stone on the 1891 edition of the Ordnance Survey map and as a direction post on the 1853 edition. It may have originated during the 18th century when the establishment of turnpikes transferred road maintenance costs to users, or it could date back even earlier as one of the guide stones erected by Justices in 1667 to assist travelers crossing the moors.

The milestone is designated at Grade II primarily because it predates 1840, likely originating in the 18th century, and features a unique design with hand-carved inscriptions.