Summary

A milestone which dates probably to the late 18th century and is attributed to the Bradford Turnpike Trust. It is one of a set of milestones along this route and it illustrates the development of the road transport network in England through the turnpike system.

Description

Milestone, dating probably to the late C18, attributed to the Bradford Turnpike Trust.

DESCRIPTION: the stone is rectangular on plan and has a rounded top. It has a rectangular, cast-iron plate which is inscribed: ‘To / BATH / 10’ (miles) in white lettering. The top left of the stone appears to have broken off.

History

The Bradford Turnpike Trust was established by an Act of Parliament in 1752 at which time the road between Bradford-on-Avon and Cockhill Gate, now in Trowbridge, was turnpiked. This road provided a turnpike link from the Bradford area to the general area of Trowbridge. Under an Act of 1792 a further turnpike road extending from Bradford to Bath was built, becoming the New Bath Road (now forming part of the A363).

It is understood that milestones were erected along the whole of the Trowbridge to Bath route in 1792 when the new road was established. Of the original ten milestones, eight are understood to survive, of which three are listed, while another no longer retains its cast-iron plate. The milestone marking 10 miles to Bath stands on the west side of the A363 at Trowle and is depicted in this location on historic Ordnance Survey maps.

Reasons for Listing

The milestone on the west side of the A363, opposite 6 Trowle, Trowbridge is listed at Grade II for the following principal reasons:

Architectural interest:
* it is a good example of an C18 milestone of simple but pleasing functional design with a legible inscription.

Historic interest:
* it illustrates the development of the road transport network in England through the turnpike system.

Group value:
* it has group value with the other milestones of the same date, on this turnpike road, including three that are listed.

Recommended Books

• 
  Listed Buildings: The Law and Practice of History Buildings, Ancient Monuments and Conservation Areas
• 
  Berkshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Listed Buildings and Other Heritage Assets
• 
  Sussex: East with Brighton and Hove (Buildings of England) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Department for Communities Listed Historic Buildings of Northern Ireland: Information Guide for the 2nd Survey of Historic Buildings
• 
  Derbyshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)