Z to A - 14 miles to Bath Traditional Cache

A well-camouflaged cache hidden by one of Wiltshire's miles stones: National ID WI_LB_BACN14. This particular one informs us of the milage to Bath. It is very close to the road so please take care with GeoKids and GeoDogs. Wheelchair users will probably struggle to get up to GZ safely.The cache contains only a log-sheet so you need to bring your own pen. Small TBs and GCs can fit inside but not much else.

The Romans first introduced milestones into the UK and 117 of these still survive. They marked their roads every thousand (mille) double-steps to aid timing and efficiency – hence our mile. After many centuries of decline, a 1555 Act of Parliament made local parishes responsible for road up-keep and so markers became important once again. From 1706, turnpike trusts were set up enabling road charges to be imposed. The Chippenham Roads Trust dates from 1726. From 1767, mileposts were compulsory on all turnpikes, not only to inform travellers of direction and distances, but to help coaches keep to schedule and for charging for changes of horses at the coaching inns. At the height of the turnpike era, there were 20,000 miles of roads with milestones. From the 1840s, however rail travel overtook road for longer journeys and many turnpike trusts were wound up (Chippenham’s lasted until 1870). Finally in 1888, the new County Councils were given responsibility for main roads and rural district councils for minor routes. Around 9000 mileposts are thought to survive in the UK. Most however were removed or defaced in World War II to baffle potential German invaders and not all were replaced afterwards. See the Milepost Society website for further information.

This milestone is on London Road in Chippenham. It is thought to date back to the 18th-early 19th century and is Grade II listed. As you stand facing the stone, the building to your left is a Grade II listed former tollhouse: National ID WI.BRE