Mile post, [next to 50 Frances Street], Newtownards, Co Down, BT23 3DY

This is a cast iron milepost dating to circa 1817. Located next to number 50 Frances Street, Newtownards, it is a significant example of industrial archaeology and holds local, social, cultural, and economic importance. The milepost has a domed top and displays moulded lettering indicating distances to Belfast (8 miles) and Donaghadee (6 miles). The structure is generally in good condition but would benefit from repainting; the original colour scheme may have been black lettering on a white background. The milepost likely dates from around 1817, coinciding with the opening of the new coach road from Belfast. Supporting historical information is documented in W.A. McCutcheon’s 'The industrial archaeology of Northern Ireland', Trevor McCavery’s 'Newtown: a history of Newtownards', Fred Hammond’s "Communications in Co. Down", and J.T. Fulton's PhD thesis 'The roads of Co. Down 1600-1900'.