This is a replacement milepost. It stands alongside the southern entrance to the
Harecastle Tunnel, rather than in its original position alongside the horsepath
over the hill.
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The current tunnel, over a mile and a half in length, was built by Thomas
Telford and opened in 1827 to relieve the congestion caused by Brindley's
original tunnel. Since both tunnels are only wide enough for one boat, the
original tunnel remained in operation and the two operated in tandem.
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Originally, Telford's tunnel was built with a towpath, but this has since been
removed. Eventually, Brindley's tunnel was closed when it was found that it had
sunk due to mining subsidence. The entrances are still visible, although they are
now choked with weed.
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The square building that houses the current tunnel entrance was added in 1954
when ventilation fans were installed to prevent the build up of fumes within
the tunnel.
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| There are two plates on the wall above the milepost. The wording on the
dedication plate is as follows:
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