A REPLICA of what is considered to be an important piece of Launcells’ history is now in situ — a slate milestone.

The Post previously reported that the milestone at Launcells went missing, with a plea in the Post last April for information on its whereabouts unsuccessful.

The plea came from Dave Richardson, who at the time said the milestones on the A3072, running East-West from Holsworthy to Bude, were ‘rather special’, as slate is an ‘unusual material for milestones’, making them more susceptible to damage.

Mr Richardson said the A3072 milestones were installed in the 1870s by the Holsworthy District Highways Board on roads radiating from Holsworthy and now, there are less than nine remaining.

Of the original 14 on other roads in Devon, few survive and they are very battered, making the group on the A3072 rather special. There is one in Bude-Stratton (the two nearest the coast disappeared decades ago), two in Pancrasweek, and, until recently, there were two in Launcells. The one surviving is near Thurlibeer, but the whereabouts of one at the entrance to Shernick Farm is unknown.

Thanks to funding from Launcells Parish Council, Launcells History Group, and a successful application to East Langford Solar Farm Fund, which supports community projects in the areas of Kilkhampton, Launcells and Morwenstow, a replica was made by local mason David Gynn, based in Launceston, out of an old slab of re-claimed Delabole slate.

The replica is now in situ, and has ‘chip technology’ to prevent it being a target for thieves.

Mr Richardson told the Post of the replica: “I’m absolutely thrilled with how it looks. The original milestones were sort of up against a hedge. Over the years they have become very discreet, almost hidden.”

Mr Richardson also expressed his gratitude to Cormac for their help and advice, and to all who contributed money for the project.

The milestone is set in concrete with granite setts around the base, and Mr Richardson described it as a ‘21st century installation of a 19th century monument, adding: “It really does look good.

“It’s a satisfying finish to a project.”