Possible mid 19th century milestone at Howe Wood (EHER 259)

Milestone to London mentioned in the OS records, possibly erected in the mid 19th century.

Milestone to London mentioned in the OS records. <1> <2> 2002. Survey. Tall stone with the two angles on front deeply chamfered and the top chamfered to form a diamond shape. The rear of the stone is flat. The inscription on the stone has weathered but parts can be made out. In 1959 is was recorded as, at the top TO CAMBRIDGE 17, at the bottom TO NEWMARKET 22 1/4, and on the right face TO DEBDEN HALL ONE MILE and on the left TO WENDON 2 1/4. One of three surviving stones of this design between Debden and Saffron Walden (see EHER 15806 and 40235). Similar ‘hammerhead’ shaped stones survive along the A4, west of Marlborough, and A361 Devizes in Wiltshire. The position of this stone, beside a track through woodland, is curious, and suggests that the road formerly ran here, although the Chapman and André map of 1777 shows the road on its current course to the east. It is possible that this stone was erected by the owner of Debden Hall in the mid 19th century (JN pers. comm.). The milestone is not marked on the 1st edition OS six inch map but is shown on the 2nd edition within the woods. <3> - <4>