A brand-new replica milestone crafted by our stonemasonry apprentice, Debbie Branford, has been installed at Red Hill; commemorating the Worcester Turnpike Trust, which charged tolls to maintain and improve 160 miles of radial roads between 1725 and 1875.
The new milestone was unveiled at a special ceremony on Saturday 20 May.
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.
The unveiling was attended by the new Mayor, Councillor Louis Stephen, who congratulated Debbie; noting the importance of the skills that she was learning, commenting that heritage is not permanent and our historic buildings such as the Cathedral, Guildhall and milestones require on-going restoration and repair; Debbie would be part of the future in keeping our heritage alive!
Milestones are classed as Listed Buildings. The new milestone also marks the WEG’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.