Milestone Outside Pool Methodist Chapel

The milestone outside Pool Methodist Chapel in Carn Brea was erected in the first half of the 18th century. This roughly dressed granite pillar stands 1.33 meters high and has a square section of 0.32 meters, tapering to a rounded top. The lower part of the stone has been replaced with modern granite. The inscription on the stone is in bold relief, protruding up to 2.5 centimeters from the surface. The northern face reads "26 / L," and the eastern face reads "16 / P," with "L" referring to Lands End and "P" to Penzance. A 4-centimeter diameter hole in the western face indicates that the stone may have been repurposed at some point.

Historically, before the establishment of the Turnpike Trusts in the mid-18th century, the roads in Cornwall were poorly maintained, often resembling bridleways that could occasionally accommodate carts and coaches. Despite this, some routes were marked by milestones, including a series leading from Mitchell, near Newquay, to Land's End, which are thought to represent a pre-turnpike route. Seventeen milestones associated with this route are known to still exist, and while many have been altered, this milestone is believed to date back to the first half of the 18th century. The road next to this stone became part of the turnpike system in 1825, when new milestones were erected. Originally located on the northern side of the road, this stone was moved a short distance to its current position sometime after 1963.

The milestone is designated Grade II due to its historic interest as a good example of a rare pre-turnpike milestone and its group interest as part of a defined pre-turnpike route that includes other designated examples. Additionally, it is situated outside a designated chapel.