12th April 1987

In the field off the Kingskerswell road at Aller Junction I found this relic from the past: a GWR boundary post. It was quite a find and I felt and photo was necessary. It is dated 1912, but I do not know why it would be placed here at tha time, given that the railway had been in existence for much longer by then. Perhaps the railway just wanted to reassert its ownership of the land?

Apparently these boundary posts are incredibly difficult to remove. I understand that despite the 6 to 8 inches or so protruding from the ground, there is in fact around 4 feet of post in total, all made from old bridge rail, so most of it is unseen. Quite a shock to discover if you were of the sort to try and liberate one for the garden at home, and particlarly disturbing when you also discover a another t-section bolted on near the bottom at right angles. The railway certainly intended for them to stay were they were. I have also heard that, understandably, they are incredibly heavy, and require the strength to two people to lift and carry to a car. A lot of blood, sweat and tears will be shed if trying to attempt such an act. So I've heard.