Historical fingerpost back on point after repairs

The original sign is believed to be the oldest surviving signpost in England

A 42-year-old fingerpost – which is a replica of one which is thought to be the oldest in England – has been restored after falling into disrepair.

The signpost, at the junction of the A5 Watling Street and Chester Road in Brownhills, near Walsall, was erected in January 1982.

It was restored by a team from National Highways.

The original signpost - which stood on the site from 1777 until 1978 – is now in the care of the Staffordshire County Museum.

The deterioration of the old post was reported by Aldridge resident Geoff Egginton who had been for a meal at a pub across the road when he noticed the ailing road marker.

“When we saw that the history of the fingerpost dated back to 1777 it seemed such a shame to see the poor condition of this antiquity,” said Mr Eggington.

“I’m delighted to see the work that has been done, it looks even better than I thought it would,” he added.

The post and its fingers were made of green oak and as it dried out cracks had appeared as well as a build-up of moss and algae.

The replica fingerpost was restored by a team from National Highways, using English Oak

To preserve the post for future generations, the fingers were taken away and repaired using English oak.

National Highways route manager David East said: “When Geoff flagged this important piece of history to us, we knew straight away that we had to make sure it was not only preserved but returned to its former glory – to stand proud once more in its spot on the A5 where our ancestors would have passed it some 250 years ago.”

Mr East said it had been painstaking but worthwhile, and added that he hoped the community and road workers would appreciate the “interesting artefact”.