I regret to have to report the theft of a GWR cast-iron boundary marker from the trackside of the former Caradon branch line at what is now the Memorial Hall at St Cleer.
Although markers of this type are (relatively) common survivors, this example was a rare find indeed on the Caradon line, dating possibly from the 1909 takeover and subsequent resurvey by the GWR, or the installation of the new loop siding at St Cleer in 1911. The marker may have been installed to indicate the extent of the additional land parcel purchased to accommodate the siding.
The marker was a standard GWR fitting, being comprised of a cast iron top with cast lettering, fixed to a length of broad gauge bridge rail with a tee piece to secure it in the ground. The marker was undated- many if not most show a cast year date. It was exposed in an approved exploratory dig, left in situ and deeply buried once again. The thieves dug a large hole, removed the entire marker, and replaced it with a large rock.
The theft has been reported to the Police.
The marker's only value was when it was in-situ as it helped to interpret the GWR era at this location, about which comparatively little is known. We suspect the thief was relatively well-informed.
Please keep an eye open for it, everyone - the Caradon line trackbed is an integral part of the World Heritage Site.