Milestone 240M Nw Of Leeches

The milestone located 240 meters northwest of Leeches is a rectangular structure with a rounded top, dating from around 1838. It is painted white and features a deeply inscribed inscription reading '8/CAM' in black sans serif capitals. There is a horizontal crack beneath the inscription.

Historically, the Haleworthy Turnpike Trust was established by an Act of Parliament in 1760 to manage a route between Wadebridge and Camelford. However, a more direct route created by the Bodmin Trust diverted traffic away from the Haleworthy Trust, leading to its decline until two stagecoach companies began using the route in 1835. In 1837, a new road was surveyed along the river from Highway to Knightsmill Bridge for the Haleworthy Trust. The turnpike renewal Act of 1838 referred to this new route and renamed the trust as the Camelford, Wadebridge and St Columb Trust. This milestone is one of seven that remain along the ten-mile stretch of the new route between Camelford and Wadebridge, erected as the road was built following the passing of the Act in 1838.

This milestone is designated for its significance as an intact example of a pre-1840 milestone, retaining its carved inscription. It is part of a group of listed milestones of the same type and date along this turnpike route and serves as a notable example of early 19th-century milestones, reflecting the standardization of roads and the introduction of turnpikes to meet the transport needs of Cornwall's industrial landscape during that time.