Summary

Two milestones situated on the east side of the A20 London Road at West Kingsdown.

Source: Historic England

Details

This record was the subject of a minor enhancement on 8 September 2014. The record has been generated from an "old county number" (OCN) scheduling record. These are monuments that were not reviewed under the Monuments Protection Programme and are some of our oldest designation records.

The monument includes two milestones, in two separate areas of protection, situated on the east side of the A20 London Road at West Kingsdown.

The milestones are constructed of cast iron fitted to a shaped stone backing. They are approximately 3 km apart. That to the north reads: London 20, Wrotham 4, and Farningham 3. That to the south reads: Ash, Wrotham 2, Farningham 5, Ramsones. The milestones are shown on Kent OS Maps (1:2500) published in 1885, 1896, 1909 and 1939.

Source: Historic England

Reasons for Scheduling

Milestones are both an important testament to the development of the transport network and are reminders of different perceptions of distance in a pre-motorised age. In the mid-eighteenth century milestones became prevalent after turnpike trusts were encouraged to provide markers on roads. They often display a notable amount of individuality before the late 18th century.

Despite having suffered some damage, the two milestones at West Kingsdown survive well. They date to at least the 19th century and are situated on a significant route to London.

Source: Historic England

Sources

Other
NMR TQ 56 SE 14, TQ 56 SE 15. PastScape 410263, 410264. ,

Source: Historic England