A BRAND-new replica milestone crafted by Worcester Cathedral’s stonemasonry apprentice has been installed at Red Hill to commemorate the Worcester Turnpike Trust.
The trust charged tolls to maintain and improve 160 miles of radial roads between 1725 and 1875 and the new milestone has been sculpted by Debbie Branford.
The aim of the project is to raise awareness of the historical significance of such waymarkers, especially with young people and those who are responsible for their survival.
Darren Steele, Master Mason at Worcester Cathedral, who was approached with the project by Jan Scrine of the Milestone Society, said: “Over the last 20 years we have supplied several new milestones locally. It’s a great opportunity for our apprentices to add a commissioned project to their portfolio.”
Debbie said: “When Darren first approached me about this, I admit that I knew nothing about milestones – he was very enthusiastic about it and made it seem like a really exciting opportunity.
“I didn’t think any more about it until the next day when on my way to work I approached the traffic lights by the toll house at Barbourne and spotted the plaque on the wall – ‘Worcester Cross 1 Mile’ – then it clicked. I remembered seeing them dotted around the Worcester area but never really gave them much thought.
“So, I did some research and found there is a fascinating history around the Worcester milestones and The Milestone Society is doing important work in helping to preserve them.
“It is an honour to be involved, and I look forward to being able to tell people what I have learnt about milestones and being able to drive past, point out the window and say, ‘I made that one’.”
The unveiling was attended by the new Mayor of Worcester Coun Louis Stephen who congratulated Debbie; noting the importance of the skills she was learning. He stressed heritage is not permanent and our historic buildings such as the Cathedral, Guildhall and milestones require on-going restoration and repair and hoped Debbie would be part of the future in keeping our heritage alive.
Milestones are classed as Listed Buildings. The new milestone also marks the Worcester Environmental Group’s Wild about Worcester Way and the Worcester Civic Society’s Heritage Trail around the city.
The unveiling ceremony was attended by representatives of a wide range of organisations, including The Milestone Society, the WEG and the Civic Society, as well as former and current councillors, Worcestershire Highways and their contractors Ringway, who installed the milestone.
The event presented a valuable opportunity for these organisations to share local knowledge and raise awareness of the historic significance of these waymarkers.
For more information about Worcester Cathedral, visit www.worcester cathedral.co.uk
For information about milestones, visit www. milestonesociety.co.uk
