Milepost opposite 256, Leeds Road

The milepost located opposite 256 Leeds Road in Ilkley is a cast iron structure dating from the 19th century. It has a triangular shape with a sloping top and features a flat, semi-circular headed plate above. The lettering on the post is raised and painted black against a white background.

On the right side, it reads: "ILKLEY/ 3/4 MILE/ SKIPTON/ 10 MILES." On the left side, it states: "OTLEY/ 5 1/4 MILES." The top of the post displays: "SKIPTON & OTLEY/ ROAD/ ILKLEY."

Cast iron mileposts like this one 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 maintenance of main roads and replaced many mileposts along its routes. This particular milepost first appears on the 1891 edition of the Ordnance Survey map.

The milepost is designated at Grade II due to its well-preserved condition in its original location, its significance in the development of the road network, and its group value with two other similar mileposts along the same main road.