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This interesting comment has just been made in response to the article Exclusive photos of the B5056

How nice to see my work appreciated! I thought that I might be alone in admiring the milestones and their history. The one showing ‘W Slack, Brasfington’ is next to my house at Woodeaves. About 20 years ago a truck ran over it and smashed it into three large pieces and a number of smaller bits. The remnants lay hidden in the undergrowth until I decided to take advantage of the road closure and investigate without being mown down by a truck! I found the big pieces easily enough and one small piece with a fragment of carving on it; the rest was lost.

With the help of my neighbour, we ‘righted’ the base stone. I then assembled the pieces and bonded them in place. The missing pieces are replaced by a resin mortar using limestone dust gratefully received from Longcliffe quarry laboratories.

The carved lettering is picked out in black paint and the white surface just scrubbed clean.  I’m delighted with the result and the fact that someone has noticed it. I subsequently unearthed the ‘Ashburn 3 miles’ and cleared it of undergrowth. It just needed a scrub up to restore it as shown.

To confirm my obsession (to the desperation of my wife) I have now located virtually all the milestones between Woodeaves and Haddon. They all need a good wash so be kind if you see me out there with a scrubbing brush!!

I have yet to find the ‘Ashburn 4 miles’ (just past the Bradbourne turn) and ‘Ashborn 5 miles’ (after the Parwich turn). If you know where they are please let me know. They may turn up as gateposts at some distance from their original site.

Dave R (milepost nutter)
PS Have a look on the Ashbourne – Kniveton – Carsington route if you detour that way and see how many milestones you can find to this design!!!