A souvenir hunter has stolen a historic sign that indicated that it is only 99 miles to London from Trowbridge.

The metal milestone sign is one of only a handful left in the town and it is not known when it was taken or by whom.

The cast iron plate was attached to a stone on the Hilperton Road opposite the Tesco Express convenience store.

It originally stood by the wall of Lovemead garden but was moved prior to 2009 to a spot less than 100 yards from where it was originally situated.

Wiltshire Times: The historic ‘Ninety-nine miles to London’ sign has been stolen from its stone base in Hilperton Road, Trowbridge. Image: Trevor Porter 77002-1The historic ‘Ninety-nine miles to London’ sign has been stolen from its stone base in Hilperton Road, Trowbridge. Image: Trevor Porter 77002-1 (Image: Trevor Porter)

Glyn Bridges, chair of the Trowbridge Civic Society, said: “It’s very sad to think that some people think they can steal our heritage.

“The sign that was stolen is a copy of the original in Trowbridge Museum so we can get another copy made.”

Trowbridge only has a handful of milestone signs left. The one stolen was round, but others are square and hexagonal.

Wiltshire Times: There are only a handful of historic milestone signs in Trowbridge. There are only a handful of historic milestone signs in Trowbridge. (Image: Trowbridge Civic Society)

In 2009, Norman Rogers wrote an article for the Trowbridge Civic Society newsletter about the milestones.

He said: “Some milestones have had to be removed due to changes in road layout and the plates are prime targets for souvenir hunters. Some of the plates are replacements but following the original design.”