Searching for mileposts
CANAL enthusiast Jon Pontefract is tramping the derelict Thames & Severn Canal in an attempt to find its old mileposts.
Though restoration work on the waterway is only progressing slowly, he hopes to discover most of the old mileposts from between Lechlade and Stroud.
52 milestones
Originally there were 52 milestones, usually in the form of a cast iron plate on a stone pillar, that marked the distances on the waterway.
Many have completely disappeared, but there are still some covered in undergrowth that he hopes to find.
At the start of his project, Jon had an idea where 20 of the mileposts were situated, though some were missing the distance plates, and he has now unearthed eight, with his search continuing.
Souvenir
He is hoping that anyone who had taken a plate as a souvenir will get in touch with him, so a cast can be taken, and so used in the future.
Of his search, he relates:
"It would be good to think that one day all of the original plates could be displayed in a single central location."
Surely it would be better for the mileposts to be eventually put back in their original locations.
Anyone who knows the whereabouts of an original stone marker and is willing to donate it can contact Jon on 01453 754 287 or email