SE2139 : Milestone on Leeds Road, Rawdon
taken 4 years ago, near to Rawdon, Leeds, England
The Leeds - Guiseley Turnpike was constructed in the 1830's to provide an improved road between Leeds and Guiseley (which would then connect with roads to Ilkley and beyond). These days it forms the first part of the A65, running from Leeds to Kendal in Cumbria.
Judging by the position of existing milestones, the road started at what is now City Square, Leeds. The first 3 milestones are missing, there are 5 still in existence, probably in their original positions. There is no writing visible on any of them now, benchmarks are still visible on some.
The positions of the milestones were
Mile 1 - Kirkstall Road, Leeds, near the junction with Studio Road and Washington Street. This milestone is missing, probably lost in road widening or building development, both have occurred several times since the 1830s.
Mile 2 - Kirkstall Road, Leeds, near the junction with Woodside View. Missing.
Mile 3 - Abbey Road, Leeds, near the junction with De Lacy Mount. Missing.
Mile 4 - Abbey Road, Leeds, about 400 metres north-west of the junction with Abbeydale Way, adjacent to a speed camera. In good condition.
Mile 5 - New Road Side, Horsforth, by No 142 New Road Side, and opposite First Steps Nursery. Mostly in good condition, except the top corner has recently been damaged, removing part of the benchmark, probably by a lorry mounting the pavement. The damage seems to have occurred between Apr 2016 (when Streetview showed it was complete) and May 2018 (the next Streetview picture).
Mile 6 - Rawdon Road, Horsforth, about 100 metres south-east of the driveway to Old Beck Lodge, opposite the grounds of Rawdon crematorium. In good condition.
Mile 7 - Leeds Road, Rawdon, about 20 metres north-west of the junction with Over Lane.
Mile 8 - New Road, Yeadon, about 10 metres south-east of the junction with St Johns Drive. In good condition.
Mile 9 - Otley Road, Guiseley, against the wall of Morrison's car park, opposite the premises of UGP and Lotus Chop Suey House. In good condition.