Finger Post - Court Lane
Finger Post - Court Lane


If you have ever wondered why the ‘old-fashioned’ sign posts are called ‘finger’ posts, you may be interested to know that when they were first introduced, the ends of the ‘arms’ often included fingers pointing to show travellers the way.

With the introduction of Turnpike Roads in 1773, signposts were made compulsory, but it wasn’t until 1933 that the Government required poles to painted with black and white bands and lettering to be of a different typeface.

Many finger posts were removed during the Second World War to help confuse the enemy should they invade Britain. Some were never replaced and the number of traditional posts was dealt a further blow following the 1964 Warboys Report which recommended they be replaced with more modern designs.

The three-way finger post standing outside The Court House is one of only two that survive in Bratton. The other is a two-way post located at the junction of Lower Westbury Road with The Hollow.

Reacting to concern about the loss of historic fingerposts from the rural landscape, the Department for Transport and English Heritage stated in June 2005 that "All surviving traditional fingerpost direction signs should be retained in-situ and maintained on a regular basis. They should be repainted every five years in traditional black and white livery.


Finger_Post.jpg




[Return]
Bratton History Association.

The Bratton History Association aims to provide all those curious about local history with an opportunity to meet, exchange ideas, and discover more about the history of Bratton and Wiltshire. Activities include monthly meetings, talks by professional historians, visits to places of interest to historians, and our own local history project.

Copyright Bratton History Association 2015-2026

Bratton History Association Privacy Statement
Web Design by Blue Engine Web Development © 2008-2026