In 1800s England, milestones were crucial markers along turnpike roads, indicating distances to towns and facilitating travel. They were essential for navigation, helping travelers and coaches with distances and timings. Milestones also helped in calculating postal charges before the uniform postal system was introduced.
- Milestones were primarily used to indicate distances along turnpike roads, aiding travelers, coaches, and postal services.
- Location: They were placed at regular intervals along the roads, often on the right-hand side for convenient reference.
- Material and Design: Milestones were typically made of stone, but cast iron was also used, especially for mileposts. The designs varied, with some being cylindrical and others rectangular.
- Evolution: While initially simple markers, milestones became more standardized and uniform in design during the Victorian era.
- Historical Significance: Despite their decline, milestones are now recognized as important historical artifacts, reflecting England’s transportation history.
There is even a Milestone Society in the UK. The Society’s purpose is to encourage people – Highways and Local Authorities, Parishes, civic societies, local history groups, individuals – to look after their local milestones, which are at risk from neglect, vandalism, vehicle impacts and road works. But to use the appropriate materials, with due regard to permissions and safety – do read through their guidance notes.
Short Excerpt from Lyon’s Obsession, Chapter Fourteen:
Duncan ignored the maid’s question. “Where did you and my daughter leave Lord Almano?” Duncan growled. His face was taut with worry.
“The young mistress swore me to secrecy, my lord,” the maid said nervously.
“You heard me,” Duncan hissed. “And if you value your position, you will not waste one more second of my time!”
Alexander interpreted, “The count has taken your mistress. We must find her.”
Winston nodded her understanding. “He said he would find a means to even their encounter.”
“I require a quick explanation, Winston,” Duncan ordered.
She turned to them. “Originally, my lady and the count were to view the Elgin Marbles, but he set his gig for a different destination. When Lady Theodora finally realized our traveling so far, she ordered him to return her to this house. We were in the country, my lord. About three miles just outside the city,” the maid explained while wringing her hands in obvious worry.
“What was his destination?” Duncan pressed for more information.
“I cannot say with assurance, my lord,” Winston said solemnly. “Lady Theodora demanded he stop the gig, and, when he would not, I convinced him with my Queen Anne pistol.”
“Which road?” Duncan asked as he led the way to his office to retrieve his guns.
“At the corner. To the right. No turns,” Winston described as she followed her master about the room. Meanwhile, Alexander also claimed several of the guns Duncan did not use, along with a box with the necessary ammunition. “No turns, sir,” the maid repeated. “Past the jeweler where Lord Orson’s telescope was engraved. Past the houses rimming the city. Finally, thinned out significantly.”
“Any milestones?” Duncan questioned.
“Charing Cross the opposite way. Two towards Newham,” the maid said.
Alexander was impressed with how well Winston kept her composure.
“Anything else you can recall?” Duncan asked as he headed towards the main door.
“When Lady Theodora demanded the count turn the gig around, the count said there was a lane up ahead where he could turn the gig about. Afterwards, I wondered how he knew of the lane if he had recently arrived from Italy.”
“And you were where?” Duncan implored.
“Past West Ham Marsh and on the left-hand side—my left as I was facing the back of the gig—there were three cottages close together, all a pinkish white,” the maid provided. “Lots of flowers before them, as if they had all been planted by the same person.”
“No one is to speak of this to anyone inside or outside this house,” Duncan ordered.
Lyon’s Obsession: The Lyon’s Den Connected World
Short on temper. Long on pride. True to his word.
Lady Theodora Duncan, daughter and only child of Lord Macdonald Duncan, reluctantly embarks on a London season in hopes of making a suitable match. She had always thought she would marry Lord Alexander Dutton, 12th Earl Marksman. After all, they had been raised together in her father’s house since Duncan became Marksman’s guardian when his lordship was but twelve. Her father’s estate marches along with Marksman’s, and they had shared multiple words of devotion, as well as stolen moments and heated kisses. Yet…
Lord Alexander Dutton always planned to marry Lady Theodora Duncan, but not until he finds his family. His father, long before Robert Dutton became the heir to the Marksman’s peerage, had sold Alexander’s mother and younger sister to the captain of a sailing ship. Alexander has searched for them for some ten years, spending thousands of the Marksman fortune in his desire to reclaim them. He cannot think truly to know happiness until he can share his title and his wealth with them. Assuredly, Theodora understands why he has not made an offer of marriage. Yet, if she does, then why does he constantly find her on the arm of a Sardinian count? He never expected Theodora’s abandonment, but Alexander is finally so close to knowing his real family again.
Must he risk one dream to know another?
Tropes you’ll love:
✔️ Friends to lovers
✔️ Soul mates
✔️ Secret identity
✔️ Fish out of water
✔️ Unrequited love
✔️ Dark secret
✔️ Emotional scars
✔️ Marriage pact
✔️ Innocent cohabitation
✔️ Love interest vs. Missing family
✔️ Honorable marriage
✔️ Marriage pact
✔️ Emotional scars
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Every Woman Dreams... 