The Millennium Mileposts are a series of 1,000 cast iron markers that were installed across the UK to commemorate the turn of the millennium in the year 2000. Each milepost bears the crest of the local authority responsible for its installation, along with a plaque that includes the distance to London and the name of the nearest village or town.
The idea for the Millennium Mileposts was conceived by artist Hamish Fulton, who proposed the idea to the UK government in the mid-1990s. The government liked the idea and provided funding for the project, which was carried out by a team of craftsmen and engineers.
The mileposts were designed to be functional as well as decorative. Each post is approximately 1.5 meters tall and 45cm wide, and is set in a concrete base. The posts are spaced approximately one mile apart, and are located along a network of roads and footpaths that criss-cross the UK.
The Millennium Mileposts are not just decorative markers; they also serve as a useful navigational aid for walkers and cyclists. The posts are typically located at junctions and crossroads, and can be used to orient oneself and to measure distances. They are especially useful for hikers and bikers who are following long-distance footpaths or cycle routes, such as the Pennine Way or the C2C (Coast to Coast) cycle route.
The Millennium Mileposts are also a unique cultural and historical landmark. They provide a tangible reminder of the turn of the millennium, and the social, cultural, and political changes that have taken place in the UK since then. They are also a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the engineers and craftsmen who designed and built them, and to the vision and foresight of the artist who conceived the idea.
Today, the Millennium Mileposts continue to be a popular destination for walkers, hikers, and cyclists. They are often included as a point of interest on maps and guidebooks, and are frequently featured in travel and outdoor magazines. Many walkers and cyclists make a point of visiting as many mileposts as possible, and there are even websites and social media groups dedicated to documenting and sharing information about the mileposts.
In conclusion, the Millennium Mileposts are a unique and valuable cultural landmark that provide a useful navigational aid for walkers and cyclists, as well as a reminder of the turn of the millennium and the changes that have taken place in the UK since then. They are a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the engineers and craftsmen who designed and built them, and to the vision and foresight of the artist who conceived the idea. Whether you are a walker, hiker, or cyclist, the Millennium Mileposts are well worth a visit.