Return of the Red Post at Bloxworth

A collaborative project supported by the Dorset Fingerpost Project and funded by Kier Highways Ltd has brought the famous Red Post at Bloxworth back to its original glory and it is now back in situ.

“To see this iconic Dorset fingerpost restored back its former glory is truly magnificent and we would encourage other locals to step forward to help restore their local fingerpost to help maintain local distinctiveness,” said Katharine Wright, co-coordinator of the Dorset Fingerpost Project following the refurbishment and return of the red post.

It had been missing for a while and its restoration couldn’t have been achieved without the generosity of Kier Highways Ltd and the guidance from the Dorset Fingerpost Project.

There are around 700 traditional fingerposts painted black-and-white, and four red ones in Dorset. Many stories are told about the reasons the posts are red, including to mark the route the convicts were taken along before being transported to Australia, or another theory is that they marked the locations of gibbets; many convicts were hanged before transportation if they were struggling along the way.

This red post near Botany Bay Farm and Inn is probably the most famous fingerpost sign in the county, and an important landmark when entering and exiting Dorset from the east.

The Dorset Fingerpost Project, an initiative of the Dorset AONB, supports and guides local groups, parish councils or individuals to restore these unique posts, now that Dorset County Council can now longer can support the upkeep of them.

The restoration of the Red Post at Bloxworth has been carried out collaboratively by HM Prison Portland, Western College, Coles Castings, Roger Bond a volunteer of the Dorset AONB and Dorchester Men’s Shed a ‘not for profit’ organisation, all funded by Kier, who were approached by the Parish Group at Bloxworth. So you agree that they have produced an outstanding piece of craftsmanship?