Pair Of Gate Piers And Stiles At High Gate

This description is for a pair of gate piers and stiles located at High Gate in Merthen, likely dating from the 17th century. The gate piers serve as the entrance to Merthen and are accompanied by adjoining stiles and seats. The piers are tall granite monoliths, approximately 2 meters high. The lower sections of the piers are rectangular in shape, while the upper sections are octagonal, featuring pyramid stops and chamfered tops.

The left (east) post was replaced in the 20th century and does not perfectly match the original right hand post, which is roughly hewn on the outer side of its lower section. This suggests that the original post was intended to be set against the hedge before the granite grid stiles were constructed on either side. On either side of the posts, there is a bank with a dressed granite retaining wall that includes a stone seat facing the stile. The right hand (west) post has a benchmark on its base. Historically, there was an avenue leading south from this gateway to Merthen.