Home Programme History Contacts Links
|
Home Programme History Contacts Links
|
|
5th March 2024 - Bruce Keith Are we nearly there yet?
Biggar
Probus Club met on 5 March 2024 to hear Bruce Keith speak about Milestones.
Bruce first came to speak to us in 2021 about the history of bridges in
Scotland, and his latest talk entitled “Are we nearly there yet? A history of
Scottish Milestones”
covered the related history of how we have measured
the distances between settlements.
The
first known milestones in Scotland were provided by the Romans, and they are
still visible along the line of the Antonine Wall across central Scotland.
The major programme of military road building in the 18th century
gave us more markers, a few of which survive.
A
widespread system of milestones only appeared with construction of better roads
in the 1800s by Thomas Telford and others . Unfortunately many of these were
removed in 1939 as a precaution against invasion.
Bruce
also covered the familiar roadside signs and sights such as AA Boxes.
The
talk was based on his family holiday car trips, and it brought back memories of
childhood car journeys for many members of the audience.
Bruce
answered several questions and then let us buy copies of his new book on
Milestones.
The
vote of thanks was given by the President, Neil Ingram. The next meeting is on Tuesday 19 March in Biggar Municipal Hall at 10.00, when we will hear Roy Johnstone speak about “The Man Who Never Was”. All are invited to attend. |