IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Ebor Close, RICHMOND, DL10 5DZ

The road that bisects the village of Skeeby.

Needing some TLC this milestone resides at the side of the A6108 on the old Darlington to Richmond Turnpike in the village of Skeeby.

Late 19th century cast iron milestone beside the A6108 Image It tells us that it is 10 miles to Darlington and 2 miles to Richmond. Milestones did not come into general use until the Turnpike Act of 1766 made them compulsory on turnpike roads, these roads were built by private enterprise under licence from the Government and maintained by tolls on those who used them. Before this Act milestones were put up occasionally, often as charitable acts and commemorations. Many Turnpike Act stones still exist. They are usually 2-3 ft high, with the initial letter or abbreviation of the nearest market town show on two faces, and the distance from it.

Milestone in the village of Skeeby placed by the Darlington to Richmond Turnpike Trust. The need for better roads brought about the Turnpike Trusts which were bodies set up by local businessmen to improve certain roads by charging tolls. Each scheme required an Act of Parliament. The first in England was in 1663, but the great majority of Turnpike Trusts were established from circa 1750.

There is a detailed image of the milepost at Image

Richmond Highways Division milepost showing Richmond 2 Miles, Darlington 10 Miles

This milepost at the northeast end of Skeeby village has been painted by a local on behalf of the Parish Council. It was cast at the foundry of F Mattison of Bedale for the Highways District in the late 19thC. After County Councils were formed in 1988 some were divided into Highways Districts for the purposes of road maintenance. Grade II listed 1131554.

Since 2016, see Image, this milepost at the northeast end of Skeeby near the bus-stop has been painted. And then recently it received a wash and brush-up from a Milestone Society member. These Highway Division posts were cast by F Mattison & Co. of Bedale. Many of them were cast with the hands pointing the wrong way but the two known to remain on this route are correct. But is the 9 mile post Image still in situ?

Opposite No. 53 (last house in Skeeby). Located on the South side of road, next to bus stop . Cast iron post, HD casting design, 19th century. Alternative views see http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5131069 & http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2191858 & http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2191842 & http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/530120 Inscription reads: {hand to right} / RICHMOND / 2 / MILES // {hand to left} / DARLINGTON / 10 / MILES // RICHMOND / H. D Grade II listed by Historic England. Milestone Society National ID: YN_RCDL02

The footpath passes through this small farmyard on its way towards Gilling West.