A MILITARY milestone in Northumberland is among the fascinating heritage sites listed in 2022.
Milestone 7 on the Military Road, Heddon-on-the-Wall has been listed at Grade II.
Now almost invisible against an old stone garden wall in a new housing development, the one-metre-high sandstone pillar inscribed with the number ‘7’ once played a key role in the military history of the North.
It was erected between 1751 and 1757 as part of a major military investment in the defences of the north of England in response to the Second Jacobite Rising of 1745.
The rising was a significant threat to the monarchy by Bonnie Prince Charlie – Charles Edward Stewart, son and heir of James II.
He had invaded from Scotland, seized Carlisle and was heading towards Manchester without challenge because Field Marshall George Wade and his troops were stuck in Newcastle, thanks to poor roads and bad weather.
Following this, investment included the construction of the Military Road from Newcastle to Carlisle (now part of the B6318 and the B6528) to allow troops to move swiftly from the Newcastle garrison to vulnerable points along the border with Scotland.
The milestone is thought to have had a dual purpose, indicating the distance in miles from the west gate of Newcastle to this stage on the road and acting as a mustering point for soldiers. Unusually, it only indicates the distance one way.
In total, 240 historic places have been added to the National Heritage List for England, which is managed by Historic England on behalf of the government and secretary of state for digital, culture, media and sport (DCMS), over the past 12 months.
Chief Executive of Historic England, Duncan Wilson, said: "The variety of listings this year illustrates the rich diversity of our shared heritage and the importance of everyday places – from an Edwardian Bank to a London cab shelter to a 19th century watermill – that make up the fascinating fabric of our past. Places like this help to make us proud of where we live. Listing recognises their value so they are protected for the future and everyone can continue to enjoy them."
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