Created From:
Manx Millaarium Aurem - posted by
Mike_bjm
A replica of the Manx equivalent of the Roman Golden Milestone from which they measured the roads that led from Rome.
Like the origninal this block bears the details of the distances from Douglas to Castletown, Peel and Ramsey.
The original block of yellow sandstone was at the west corner of the Harbour Master's office opposite the north end of the Douglas swing bridge (lifting) and was last known to be languishing in the safe in The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company's Imperial Building. All the evidence points to this stone having originally been at the Old St. Matthew's Chapel where the present Market Hall stands.
and some judicious measuring back along the old routes confirms this. The first milestone on the Peel Road Indicates that it is "One mile from Douglas Chapel" and measurement via North Quay and Bank Hill also proves this, The large, metal milestones too are measured from this point having been erected in the 1860.
There is a strange symbol at the top of the carved face which seems to respresent two entwined fish.
The replica was placed in its present location,adjacent to the Coffee Palace berth, in October 2001 following the completion of the new Douglas lifting bridge, (which replaced the former swing bridge).
The Department of Transport stated in a press released issued in September 2001, that they could not reinstate the original stone because it would be damaged by weathering if left exposed but they might consider displaying it somewhere under cover, however no firm plans were in place.
The 'Milestone' is inscribed as follows:
"CASTLETOWN
IX MILES
PEEL
X1/2 MILES
RAMSEY
XIV 1/2 MILES
REPLICA 0F OLD DOUGLAS MILESTONE PREPARED BY D. GREGG"
Manx Milestones by Stuart Slack: ISBN1-876120-58-3
Visit Instructions:
1. A closeup photo of the waymark with your GPS, or (a part of) you in it, is required.
2. An area photo including the waymark in the view is highly appreciated.