Milestones restored to roadway (From Stroud News and Journal)

Milestones restored to roadway

HISTORY has finally been restored to the commons after the finishing touches were made to the last two Milestones.

At a ceremony on Wednesday new iron plates were fitted to the stones on the road crossing Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons.

John Fincher and Niel Curwen, who were both chairmen of Rodborough Common management committee, initiated the project.

"It is important to provide the general public with information and highlight the fact it was an ancient roadway", said Mr Fincher.

"We want to make sure the commons and any of its ancient artefacts are preserved for years to come."

A team of Cotswold voluntary wardens have so far refurbished and repainted 42 milestone plates.

Milestones helped eighteenth century travellers to find their way but over the years they went missing or were badly damaged.

Many of the plates, some dating from the 1780s onwards, had to be removed during the Second World War to deter potential invaders finding their way.