Missing milestone mystery

The Abbey Historical Society has appealed for help in solving the mystery of a Ballynure milestone which has gone missing.
The missing Ballynure milestone which was at the corner of the Ballyclare Road at the junction of Glenvarna Drive. INNT 25-651conThe missing Ballynure milestone which was at the corner of the Ballyclare Road at the junction of Glenvarna Drive. INNT 25-651con
The missing Ballynure milestone which was at the corner of the Ballyclare Road at the junction of Glenvarna Drive. INNT 25-651con

The milestone, on the Ballyclare Road in Glengormley at the junction of Glenvarna Drive indicated the six-and-threequarter-mile point to Ballynure as well as the distances to Larne and Belfast.

It’s thought the piece would have dated back to the times of horse and carts when most people would have undertaken journeys on foot, or by bicycle.

Abbey Historical Society member and Glengormley resident Robin Ashby takes a very keen interest in preserving what remains of our history.

He has a particular interest in vintage road signs which, in times gone by, would have given some degree of hope to the weary traveller on their way from town to town.

He said: “I was disappointment to find the sign had disappeared and only a small portion of the basce actually remains where the milestone once stood.

“If anyone can shed some light on this I would be interested to hear what may have happened to the piece.

He went on: “It could have been deliberately removed for scrap or stolen to be sold to a collector.

“Or it may have been accidently knocked down and smashed. If so it would be interetesting to try and recover any pieces if they still exist.

“This milestone played an important part in the life of the old village and there should be some reminder of it.”

If you can help shed some light on the mystery email [email protected].

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