It was those master-road-builders, the Romans, who first defined
the centre of Imperial Rome with the 'Golden Milestone' and placed
milestones on their roads showing the distance to this datum so
travellers could mark their progress.
Later in the 16th century the advent of the Royal Mail with
staging points focused attention on the roads again. The post
riders had to make good time, specified clearly, and milestones
came into their own again to measure progress.
Turnpike trusts erected many of the milestones that are still
part of our roads today, and they were made in many shapes, forms
and methods of construction. Placed during the the times of the
pedestrian, the carriage, and the bicycle, the milestone has a
fascinating story to tell of how our roads came to be. Because they
were often locally produced and there was no standard design,
milestones come in a fabulous range of types and designs, each
route and region with its own character.
This cache is a VERY SMALL FOOD BOX. Unfortunately, for safety
reasons, it isn't too close to the milestone but actually across
the road opposite. Please do NOT attempt to park anywhere except
for the marked parking. This part of the road used to be one of the
most dangerous in the country (hence the reason why there are
barriers for no apparent reason)