Milestone On The A388 Ne Of Sheers Barton (Ngr Sx3459582343)

LAWHITTON RURAL

1558/0/10019 Milestone on the A388 NE of Sheers Bar 05-JUN-07 ton (NGR SX3459582343)

II Mid C19 milestone of granite that is rectangular in plan rising to a point at the top. The front (west) face, edges, and top have been dressed. Black painted incised capital lettering on the front (west) face: 'LAUNCESTON 2 / TAVISTOCK 11½ / CALLINGTON 8½'. On the apex of the front face is an Ordnance Survey benchmark and a metal pin on the apex itself.

HISTORY: This milestone is one of a series erected by the Launceston Turnpike Trust which was established in 1760 by an Act of Parliament. The original road from Launceston to Greystone Bridge was made a turnpike in 1760, but the Act of 1815 specifically mentions the road from `Launceston through parishes of Lawitton and Lezant to Greystone Bridge'. Documentary sources indicate that the milestones for this route were carved and erected in 1858.

SOURCES: The Milestone Society (2007): http://www.milestone-society.co.uk/

SUMMARY OF IMPORTANCE: Milestones are of special interest as one of the few physical remains of national and local historic road use. They reflect the standardisation of roads and the introduction of turnpikes. This mid C19 milestone situated on the former turnpike road (the A388) from Launceston to Greystone Bridge, has special interest as a physical marker of the area's changing transport history. It also has group value with other listed milestones on this route.

SX3459782342