IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Whitsans Cross, SHAFTESBURY, SP7 9LJ

The cast iron milepost dates from the mid 19th century. It stands beside the A30, which was a turnpike road between 1787-88. It is one of a series of mileposts make by the Frome based company Cockey. Milestones/mileposts 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 milestone/mileposts 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.

The milepost stands beside the A30. For a closer view Image Milestones/mileposts are the original roadside heritage features with many dating back hundreds of years and these historic items are under threat from highway developments.

Cast iron post by the A30, in parish of DONHEAD ST ANDREW (SALISBURY District), Whitesand Cross; 100m East of crossroads by No. 150, on concrete plinth, on South side of road. Cockey iron casting, erected by the Whitesheet turnpike trust in the 19th century. Inscription reads:- : SHASTON / 4 : : DONHEAD ST MARY : : SALISBURY / 16 : Grade II listed. List Entry Number: 1200764 https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1200764 Milestone Society National ID: WI_SHSA04.

Nearing Whitesand Cross.