Summary
An early-C19 milestone, erected by the Exeter Turnpike Trust, moved 70m N to its current location in 2011.
Description
An early-C19 milestone, erected by the Exeter Turnpike Trust, moved 70m N to its current location in 2011.
DESCRIPTION
A free-standing granite stone finished with a rounded-arch top. The W (road-side) face bears an inscription reading ‘V/ MILES/ FROM/ EXON’ and there is a surveyor’s benchmark inscribed at the top of the stone. The stone has suffered some damage.
History
The Exeter Turnpike Trust was established in 1753. It became responsible for 141 miles of road and covered one of the largest sections of road in the country. The main turnpike road from Exeter to Plymouth passed through Chudleigh, via Alphington. In 1822, the Alphington to Chudleigh road was altered, with a new 5 mile section created from Kennford to Chudleigh. The Exeter Turnpike Trust employed different styles of milestones to mark their routes. These included a tall, multi-faceted stone on locations close to major towns and cities, and a smaller rounded-top stone in less prominent locations. The Trust was wound up in 1884.
The milestone to the S of Kenn old filling station stands on the 1822 turnpike road from Exeter to Chudleigh and marks the 5 mile point from Exeter. It originally stood further S and was moved circa 70m N in 2011.
Reasons for Listing
The milestone 139m N of Rookery Nook, Kennford, Devon is listed at Grade II for the following principal reasons:
* Historic interest: although it has been recently moved, it is a good example of an early-C19 milestone very near to its original location, it retains its inscription and is a remnant of the former Exeter Turnpike Trust, one of the largest networks in the country;
* Group value: it forms a good group with other listed milestones on the former Exeter to Chudleigh turnpike road.
External Links
External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.
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