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

This mid 19th century milestone is located on the A388 northeast of Sheers Barton. It is made of granite and has a rectangular shape that rises to a point at the top. The front face, edges, and top of the milestone have been dressed. It features black painted incised capital lettering on the front, indicating the distances to Launceston (2 miles), Tavistock (11½ miles), and Callington (8½ miles). At the apex of the front face, there is an Ordnance Survey benchmark and a metal pin.

The milestone is part of a series erected by the Launceston Turnpike Trust, which was established in 1760 by an Act of Parliament. The road from Launceston to Greystone Bridge was made a turnpike in 1760, and the Act of 1815 specifically mentions the road passing through the parishes of Lawhitton and Lezant. Historical documents indicate that the milestones for this route were carved and erected in 1858.

Milestones like this one are significant as they are among the few physical remnants of historic road use, reflecting the standardisation of roads and the introduction of turnpikes. This particular milestone is important as a marker of the area's transport history and has group value with other listed milestones along the same route.