Boundary Post, Belfast Road, Holywood, Co Down

This cast-iron boundary post dates to 1858. It is located on the west side of High Street, Holywood, and marks the historic urban district boundary. The post has a shaft with a raised rounded band at the base, raised lettering reading “Hollywood Commissioners 1858”, a corbelled octagonal capping, and a starburst cap. The pavement level has been raised, diminishing the shaft. The post was first documented on the 1900-02 edition of the Ordnance Survey map, captioned “B.P.” and shown near a milepost.

The post's style is similar to other boundary posts found around Belfast, many of which are dated 1918, though those dates may be later additions marking electoral wards and municipal divisions. Cast-iron mileposts were erected from the early 19th century by Irish Grand Juries and turnpike trusts, with cast-iron boundary markers being a later development. The post has lost several inches in height since 1973 due to road level increases. The post is of local historical interest, reflecting the development of Holywood in the mid-19th century and demonstrating the town's boundary marking practices of the time.