One Roman Mile, Two Roman Milestones

[@tweedyoutdoors]

Great stuff Mr. WC21, something immensely satisfying about being able to test these historic measurements with this kind of citizen science! I particularly enjoyed that self indulgent segment at the end, particularly as I believe I've had the privilege of sitting in that very armchair! You really have produced a fantastic body of work in 2024 of which you should be very proud, and I'm glad you took that brief moment to reflect on it. I very much hope you're on the mend now, have a great new year and looking forward to all the enlightenment and entertainment to come in 2025!

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you Tweedy! You can probably imagine how long that self indulgent segment could have been?! Many thanks for all your encouragement, and of course, the content contributions throughout the year. The Bledlow Cross and Long Man videos have high placings on my list, plus your amazing amphitheater video. That still ticks over and very few people seem to notice it’s not me in it?! Measuring a Roman mile was born as a concept during a period of high fever, but it seemed to make some sort of sense! Happy new year to you and yours and here’s to 2025 on KZbin!

[@francisbarlow9904]

Happy new year Tweedy, keep up the good work!

[@clarehorner5799]

As a relatively new subscriber, so glad to have found your channel here's to your good health and an exciting 2025 of history discoveries.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you Clare - welcome and all the best for 2025.

[@1972tommyc]

Thanks!

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Many thanks Tommy. All the best for 2025.

[@1972tommyc]

@ And I will have you know I do NOT regret that under U.S. tax code, WC21UK is not considered a charitable organization and therefore not eligible for a 2024 tax deduction. I hope that was not too many “nots”. 💸

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

@@1972tommyc that made me “lol”! The world is too harsh!

[@1972tommyc]

@@WC21UKProductionsLtd Yes, the world is much too harsh and needs more high quality tweed. 🐑🐑🐑🐑

[@andrewdolinskiatcarpathian]

Hi Darren. Gosh, I am shocked by how tall the Roman mile stone is. What a shame that it is the only one left. Thank you for such an interesting year full of wonder eclectic, eccentric and entertaining videos. Here’s to 2025 and another bumper crop. 👏👏👍😀

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you Andrew. There’s another in situ one that’s quite tall, but not as tall. Some of the examples in museums look huge, but that’s because you’re seeing the bit that was below the ground! Thank you for your kind words and for all your support. Happy 2025!

[@joelnolan7642]

figure I've gotten at least this much enjoyment out of your videos this year, so I might as well pay my dues. keep it up! now I'm off to track down your top 3 videos cause I think I missed one of them.

[@philcollinson328]

What an amazing and generous gift! ...I thank you as a fan of Mr WC 21's channel.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you Joel - that means a lot and I really appreciate it. Happy new year to you and yours.

[@Sk8Bettty]

A more enjoyable jaunt never have I had. Thank you for joining me!

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Cheers SK8Betty - glad you enjoyed it! Fortunately, it was a very easy mile on this occasion!

[@wlrIII]

Thank you for creating these lovely episodes. Fantastic production quality coupled with fascinating subjects. Have a happy and prosperous New Year!

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you so much for your lovely words there - much appreciated. Have a great 2025.

[@janecapon2337]

Such a great video!

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you Jane! Happy new year to you.

[@pwhitewick]

Cracking stuff. Enjoyed this. Onwards to 2025! Best wishes from Team Whitewick.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Cheers Rebecca and Paul! Happy new year to you. Looking forward to catching up in a couple of weeks.

[@daikidetbilisi]

First time commenting - These videos are better than most “history” stuff on TV. Keep it up. Always interesting antiquarianisming.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you very much - I really appreciate that hugely. I'm so glad that viewers find them interesting, because I always have fun researching and recording them! Happy new year.

[@daikidetbilisi]

@ You’re very welcome. Likewise I am trying to make some videos about local history and culture here in Georgia 🇬🇪, but hard to find the time. I do enjoy it, despite the low viewership!

[@philcollinson328]

@@daikidetbilisi When you find the time I'll subscribe..I'm fascinated with U.S history.

[@daikidetbilisi]

@@philcollinson328haha. I wont bite 😂👏🏼

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

@@daikidetbilisi it's hard getting any traction in this place. I'm sure you've noticed, but KZbin doesn't even have a history classification for uploaded videos!

[@janecapon2337]

The Roman milestones were much taller than I thought. Thank you for taking us to this wonderful walk. I hope we see lots more of these intriguing videos in 2025. you do such fantastic work!

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you! Yes, it’s something of a whopper that one. An incredible survivor and the last of its kind in Britain!

[@_Hold_My_Beer_]

@1:34 - 'One of two milestones' are the funniest gestures I've seen this year - Kudos! - Amazing and interesting vid as usual - you sir are a legend.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you and I was worried I’d been accidentally rude there! Happy new year to you.

[@JustcallmeKathi]

Thank you for going the extra mile to provide us with enjoyable, instructive content, Darren. And you totally deserve some self-indulgence. It's interesting to know which of their videos creators like best.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you Kathi. Appreciate all your support and wishing you a very happy new year.

[@JustcallmeKathi]

@@WC21UKProductionsLtd Thank you Darren, wishing you a happy new year as well 🍀(with many more antiquarian discoveries)

[@hedleythorne]

You could find the location of those final milestones in a future video. Nice work, 2024 has been a big year for you. Happy new year and see you in January!

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Cheers Hedley. I do need to do a sweep of all those gateposts! Looking forward to catching up at the big event in a couple of weeks!

[@francisbarlow9904]

Happy new year Darren.... have a gud un!

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Cheers Francis and all the best to you for 2025!

[@david6920-r6z]

Excellent quality video 🇬🇧 🇳🇿

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Cheers David!

[@philcollinson328]

An absolutely wonderful vid filmed in my favourite location on earth. Also, I'm very jealous of your excellent chair!

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thanks Phil and I think the fresh air did me good! You’re right, it is a good chair - I’ve probably taken it for granted.

[@philcollinson328]

And it should be noted, this is vlog 150! Thank you for the entertainment you've provided over your previous 150 vlogs.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Oh yes! Another celebration is in order!

[@eddavis1832]

What a wonderful “special treat” to start my day! I had the privilege of hiking the majority of Hadrian’s Wall last year, inspired by a previous WC21 video…can’t thank you enough! Happy New Year from a dedicated subscriber in West Virginia, USA…CHEERS!!!🍻

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Cheers Ed - I’m sure you enjoyed the walk. It really is an amazing monument to the past. Happy 2025!

[@lthornton7802]

Here in Missouri we have a bit of history, but nothing to compare to Roman roads or Hadrian's Wall. Thank you for sharing.

[@1972tommyc]

@@lthornton7802 Same here in Washington State. 😁

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you - glad you enjoyed it! Happy new year.

[@nickbrough8335]

The US does have quite a lot of interesting and little understood pre- Indian civilisation stone works as well as growing evidence for a completely disappeared human occupation from c20,000 bc or so.

[@romanhistorywalks6526]

Always nice to see Vindy. There’s a full height and inscribed milestone at Middleton between Sedbergh and Kirkby Lonsdale

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

It is indeed. Yes the Middleton milestone is lovely and near to me. Not in its original location though, but great inscription. I need a list of all the milestones that survive in their original situation.

[@RonSeymour1]

Thank you Darren for taking us on your journey of discovery. Wishing you and yours a Happy New Year.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Cheers Ron - and to you and yours. Thank you for your support this year.

[@jamesjamm79]

Thank you, love your videos.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Cheers James! Happy new year to you.

[@jmorin6620]

Lol! Then, I wasn't imagining it! I haven't gone back and looked...

[@lablackzed]

1:35 nice signal and the same to you 👍And a happy new year to you aswell.🎉🎉🎉🎉🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻👍

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Oops - sorry about that! Happy New Year to you and yours.

[@philhollman]

Nice to see Causeway House on your route. Stayed there (it's a Landmark Trust holiday rental) years ago and walked up to Vindolanda.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

It’s a lovely looking property. And of course the name is a draw for Roman road enthusiasts!

[@woodcox0171]

Wonderful walk, thank you Sir. Also, I didn’t get the tea cup reference, American sadly, I did see a nice joint stool that was under it. Great furniture! I made one for my boy when he was little.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you! It was a slightly childish/nerdy mug from the classic series of Doctor Who. From a time when it wasn’t cool! Yes that’s a nice Georgian stool that serves as my side table.

[@philcollinson328]

Thanks

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Cheers Phil. Happy new year to you!

[@philcollinson328]

@@WC21UKProductionsLtd And a very happy new year to you sir. I did do the maths mileage homework you set in this week's vid...But...erm (think of a good one here Phil)...the dog ate it.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

@@philcollinson328 that old chestnut. Back of the class. And no sniggering.

[@brynmorjenkins4376]

As a new member to your channel I have looked forward every Sunday to your postings, this being no exception I might add. There is a good example of a roman milestone in the Brecon Beacons, and in good condition. Great result by the way, and proves the setting out by the engineers were accurate indeed. All the very best for the new year ahead, and hope to see a return to good form and health. Kind Regards Bryn

[@philcollinson328]

Great point bryn

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thanks Bryn and all the best to you and yours. I’ve not heard of that milestone - whereabouts is it?

[@brynmorjenkins4376]

Darren, I think this raises an interesting subject alone. There are numerous "standing stones " of Roman origin in the Brecon Beacons, some lie along the great road Sarn Helen which runs up the south/north spine of Wales. Maen Llia and Maen Madoc are fine examples. These may be of burial or marker points, but could have originally been a mile stone ? Along this Roman road there are many forts and marching camps as well used as communication for the military in the conquest of Wales in the first century. I think you uncovered a great source of material

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

@@brynmorjenkins4376 thanks Bryn. I'm going to focus on doing more in Wales this year. Years ago, when I lived in Oxfordshire, I used to get up early and drive to the Brecon Beacons, do a long hike and then drive back!

[@peterbradburn9115]

Another tremendous video to round out the year. Thank you Mr WC21 (UK) Productions Ltd. All the very best for the coming year

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you Peter and a happy new year to you.

[@chrisbentleywalkingandrambling]

I hope you are much recovered, Darren. Yes, the roads, although following the same route, sometimes deviate. The channel has certainly exploded, much like your fake drone over the last year. Congratulations on the growth and Happy New Year, Darren.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thanks Chris and really appreciate your support this year. All the very best for 2025 to you and yours.

[@texano1957]

I really enjoyed your last video of the year. I also hope you feel better. I will be eagerly looking forward to watching your videos in 2025 wherever I am… happy new year!

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you very much. Happy new year to you and yours.

[@johnakyle5908]

As a sprightly 57 year old I was glad to see the correct Dr Who on your mug . Another enjoyable video , reminding me that I need to go back to explore more of that area's Roman remains , as I haven't visited since 2019 . Happy New Year , when it comes 🎉

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thanks John! Hope you can get back soon - such an amazing part of the country. You can taste the ancient past in the air.

[@PaIaeoCIive1684]

I happened to drop in on a Who's Views podcast and they gleefully reported the shrill feminist and diverse current Dr Woke merch is tanking, with figurines of classic Who like Baker and Pertwee still selling more. If you insult and lose much of your fanbase that tends to happen. Happy New Year!

[@philcollinson328]

@PaIaeoCIive1684 I'll never forgive Baker for putting Pertwee out of a job...One day my Dr was a Timelord, the next I saw of him he'd got himself a job as a scarecrow. 🤣

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

@@philcollinson328 apparently when Pertwee left, he asked for more money to change his mind. They didn't respond...!

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

@PaIaeoCIive1684 yes, from what I see - mainly on KZbin - the return of RTD has gone down like a lead balloon. I wasn't that keen first time round, to be honest. I just don't see it as the same show to the one that absorbed me. They've done a new edit on The War Games, and whilst I liked the colourisation, they've hammered in stuff to link it to the modern show and that left me cold!

[@sarahbrown7017]

Thank you for all your videos this year. I look forward to your contributions next year.

[@sarahbrown7017]

Oh and love the mug!

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thanks Sarah. Appreciate your support! I'm very fond of that mug!

[@raedwulf61]

I have always wanted to walk the wall. Now, I want to even more. Thanks! Happy New Year!

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

That’s great - hope you get to do it!

[@andrewlamb8055]

Brilliant Darren … never seen someone so unhappy about measuring a complete Roman Mile 🤣🤣🤣 As you know I have been watching/catching up on existing episodes and your 2024 top choice is next on my list!!! Happy New Year ⚔️⚔️👏👏👋😎🌲🐑⛄️

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thanks Andrew! It was the longest mile I’ve ever walked! Worth it to see that milestone, though. What an incredible survivor!

[@andrewlamb8055]

@ Great to see something untouched/unmoved as it is for 2000 years 👏👏 Good job mate and get better soon 🙏⚔️😎👍

[@MarkGould-y8y]

great video always fun and interesting

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Cheers Mark - appreciate that and a happy new year to you.

[@robgrabowski2572]

Happy New year, Darren, and I hope your Christmas was boozy and enjoyable, too! 😊 Thank you for all your cracking videos, and I look forward to many more 😁👍

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Cheers Rob and to you too. Hope my young protégé is still watching?!

[@billykershaw2781]

10 seconds in...Peel Crag! Used to climb there a lot, back in the days when I was immortal....😊

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Yes! Sometimes we are reminded of our more adventurous days! Full credit to you for climbing that!!

[@hainanbob6144]

Good enough for me to stay to the end!! Happy New Year!

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

That’s good news - I think it helps the algorithm, or something!

[@OonaghEllis]

Glad I discovered your channel this year. That was really interesting, even though I'm rubbish at maths. Hope you're all better soon. John Pertwee was the first doctor I remember, from behind the couch, usually. Happy new years to you and your family and look forward to next year's videos.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you very much. Pertwee is the first I remember too - very interesting character. Happy 2025 to you!

[@jmorin6620]

Happy New Years to you, Darren and Mrs! I've thoroughly enjoyed your channel since finding it some months ago and I'm looking forward to your future content. I enjoyed the episode with Mortimer as well. He seemed a caricature of himself! I'm currently getting over some crud as well and admire your fortitude, so we didn't miss our weeks end history fix!

[@philcollinson328]

It's addictive I know ...Check back through the old catalogue ...truly charming.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you and glad you’re enjoying it! All the best for 2025.

[@christopherbagley300]

Good work, really interesting.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you Christopher! Happy new year to you.

[@stevenperkins-p5x]

thankyou so much for all your time and effort that's been put in this year, looking forward to more of the same in 2025. All the very best to you my friend in the new year.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Cheers Steven and thank you for your support. Happy new year.

[@davie941]

hello again Darren, hope your Christmas went well, all the best for 2025, great interesting video, well done and thank you 😊

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thanks Davie and all the best for 2025 to you and yours.

[@cherylwood5202]

Your videos are so interesting and entertaining. Thank you so much for all your work. Wishing you a quick return to good health. Happy New Year!

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you Cheryl - appreciate your support and all the best for 2025!

[@JimBagby74]

This wasn't a failure at all. You performed an experiment and collected data. You believe the road has moved and that's probably true. But if not, that means the Roman navvies (or more likely their supervisor) got it wrong. Most Un-Romanlike indeed. So yeah, the road has wiggled. Heck, it's only had 1900 years to do so. And you say this is all you could muster? Yomping around Northumberland in bleak midwinter? I'd say that's perhaps a bit much after an illness. I'm glad you feel better. Happy New Year and thanks for 2024! It's been fun.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thanks Jim. Yes, I suspect there was a fair bit of just roughly pacing the miles out, don’t you? Dispensing with the annoying measuring stick! Many thanks for all your support in 2024 and here’s to 2025! Happy new year to you.

[@chrisball3778]

You could use the milecastles on Hadrian's Wall as a point of comparison. Also, in parts of the Roman Empire, milestones are sometimes found in little clusters, with people who'd paid for a stretch of the road to be repaired adding a new one with their inscription on it next to the others. I don't know whether that ever happened in Britannia. If it did, it might be that the farm with five of them might have taken them from one or two spots rather than to just have robbed the whole road. Thanks for a wonderful year of fun and informative videos.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Cheers Chris! That’s an interesting idea about the milestones. I think it would be interesting to do some measuring between the mile-castles. Happy new year.

[@Francis1taylor]

Great video. A happy New Year to you and your family.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank Francis - all the best for 2025!

[@jerrygale1994]

Another entertaining and fascinating watch. Thank you for creating and sharing. Here's to more of the same in 2025. Cheers

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thanks Jerry! Happy new year to you and yours.

[@frenchfriar]

I think you've really gone the extra mile for us today. It seems to me you could try a similar experiment if there's a place where there's only a single stone missing between two, by walking it and cutting the number of feet in half. In any case, I'll take the opportunity to wish you and yours a very happy and healthy new year for 2025. Thank you!

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you. It could also lead to milestone discovery - although I think most became gateposts and lintels! Amazing there are only 2 consecutive examples left.

[@jointgib]

really good

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you! Happy new year to you.

[@carolemccartney566]

Happy New Year Darren!

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thanks Carole and to you too.

[@Jesus.is.the.Way.2386]

Get fully well soon; well done and thanks for what you achieved even if the result didn't work out with using the technology/app.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you! I enjoyed the walk between the only 2 consecutive Roman milestones! Happy new year and thanks for watching.

[@Jesus.is.the.Way.2386]

@@WC21UKProductionsLtd 1 mile, a long way when unwell. I have long covid, climbing stairs is hard - thnks for your hard work in making this video, it's a new topic, R/milestones, I hadn't heard of

[@DavidAkhtar-k1h]

Nice work :) - shout out to Vindolanda - those Vinodlanda Tablets are Rizz!

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Cheers and they are rizz!

[@CarolWoosey-ck2rg]

You sneaked that one in Darren( ooh Matron!) thought you were still on your sick bed? Glad you dragged yourself out if it for our benefit - only thing is my porridge going cold! Still, some sacrifices are worth it😊

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Cheers Carol! It was a bit of a challenge, but I couldn’t be beaten!

[@CarolWoosey-ck2rg]

​@@WC21UKProductionsLtdthat's the spirit mate!

[@davidrowley-ic6dx]

That’s a mighty fine piece of stone you showed us there …. It would make a truly excellent gate post! Though, perhaps I have spent too long living in a rural farming environment? As I recall, a survey of the area done many years ago showed that pretty much every building within any proximity to the Wall had quantities of Hadrian’s handiwork incorporated into its construction. It is also to be noted that the majority of Roman walls as seen today simply comprise residual core rubble/mortar having long lost their worked facing stone to robbery. The results of times when “recycling” had a more pragmatic following. On this same vein, excavation of the Bratton Seymour villa in Somerset resulted in clear evidence of glazed windows (maybe a seasonal level pun there) but the glass had been broken from the frames. There was then further evidence that the residual glass set into the frames (equivalent of what we would expect trapped within the putty) had been scrupulously extracted in the form of small fragments and swept into piles within the rooms, presumed with the intent of collecting at a later time. This is seen as associated with the building falling out of use in the immediate post-Roman period when glass came into short supply. Makes sense. More recycling. Merry New Year to you !! Ps; Hope you enjoyed the Christmas special Dr Who ….

[@philcollinson328]

Leave it alone! A farmgate from B'N'Q suffices 🤣🤣

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you and yes, you can see how it happened. Milestones made good lintels too, I believe! That’s really interesting about the glass, isn’t it? The sub-Roman period is so infuriatingly intriguing. Thank you for your support and all the best for 2025.

[@davidrowley-ic6dx]

I should also add that I am mightily impressed by the afterburner mode exhibited by your wood burner … and, of course, I am totally agreement that any antiquarian has to enjoy a wing backed chair !!

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

@@davidrowley-ic6dx that wood burner has never let me down. Such a solid piece of engineering!

[@WildwoodTV]

The Romans had smaller feet than us... great stuff & best wishes for 2025

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Ha! I didn’t know that - there’s a video in that! Happy new year to you and yours.

[@TiddlesTheBearBaiter]

Thanks and have a great 2025!

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Many thanks and all the best for 2025 to you.

[@PhilMBarrett]

Excellent video about two old friends we know well, and great use of the fake drone, and as for the further mathematics homework .... Err .. err ...

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thanks Phil. I’d never actually visited the Chesterholm milestone - what a survivor that is!

[@philcollinson328]

Phil...from a Phil ..I copied @francisbarlow9904 's homework ...Mr WC21 says it's correct.

[@martynhaggerty2294]

We have a stone circle in a grass paddock near the you yangs between Melbourne and Geelong Australia. It is at least 10,000 years old. Seems to have similar astronomical measuring features to Stonehenge . Thought you might find it interesting. Could use your bracelet to visit it?

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

10,000 years - amazing! I need to get that bracelet working, don’t I?!

[@Sk8Bettty]

Did you know that Bono has spoken at a NATO thing? Me either, until I tried using that google machine to translate Latin. Whole page of headlines about it. Maybe he sung there, I only scanned the results. Wouldn’t it be a hoot if he mentioned republics or something…. Happy Good Merry Year to all y’all and to all y’all’s yourns’s from a holler in the West Virginia woods!!!1 🎉✌️🍿

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Did he?! Now why doesn't that surprise me?! All the very best to you and yours for 2025!

[@jacquelinetaylor8683]

How did the Romans measure the roman mile? Did they use chains as we did if so could a damaged or repaired chain give variations to the odd foot etc.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Good question. I believe they used a measuring stick, but I suspect there was a degree of pacing it out too!

[@horriblechris9656]

As per usual with your videos, you gave sent me on a tangent. This time its about feet and why they are different. It has resulted in me finding out I have Egyptian feet, which is strange as I am British & Irish ancestry. Though there is a myth about Ireland/Scotland and and Egyptian princess in exile. I love a bit of mumbo jumbo.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Yes Chris, I started heading down that wormhole when I was making this, but managed to resist! I hope you're out OK!

[@horriblechris9656]

@WC21UKProductionsLtd We never truly escaped rabbit warrens. We just postpone our wandering for a future day.

[@andymcgeechan8318]

You deserve a good rest, see you next year 🛌

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Cheers Andy! See you in 2025!

[@michaelpeacock6360]

What a great video idea..never even considered Romans created milestones...and all with the Flu...all the best for 2025 Darren!

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you Michael. I knew these two survivors were there and suddenly thought I needed to measure the distance!

[@CogFog]

That farmer took the passes

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Yes he did! Happy new year.

[@francisbarlow9904]

A Drusian foot is 13.1 inches, therefore a mile measured using this would have been 5000 x 13.1 inches, divide this by 12 and you will find the mile would be 5458.3 std feet making it approx 150 yds longer..... interesting, Drusus should have remained a general...

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Excellent work! Proof this mile was not measured in very old money!

[@philcollinson328]

*copying this homework*

[@francisbarlow9904]

@@philcollinson328 🤣🤣🤣

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

@@philcollinson328 I'm going to have to introduce detentions, aren't I?

[@phil2186]

Is there a milestones club? Does it have any affiliation to the mile high club?

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

I don’t know, but I certainly see potential in the idea!

[@rogerlafrance6355]

Road miles are measured with a odometer attached to a wheel , even by the Romans, as it accounts for all the ups and downs and such. Acres have same problem in hilly country.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

I’m going to get one for next time I do something like this!

[@baz-wc4fi]

All the best for 2025!!

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you Taz - all the best to you too.

[@desmondrobinson169]

New Year bonus Tickle.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

You are too kind, Desmond! Happy new year to you!

[@davidbarrass]

erm, 4854 ft is 0.919 of an imperial mile. They were pretty close when you re-measured. I think they just saw that little knoll above the road and said to themselves that that was a more visible place to put it than the exact measurement - there would not have been a hedge there.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Yes it wasn't too bad was it? That little knoll has intrigued me since I filmed this. I wonder if it's a very rare example of a northern, Romano British barrow.

[@davidberlanny3308]

Hi Darren, thanks for getting up off your sick bed for this one, you look like your well on the road to recovery. I was waiting with baited breadth for you to unearth one of those trundle wheels we used at school to do the measurements, in fact you can buy super-duper modern ones too today. It would have been a hard job to count all those clicks mind. This of course leads us into a minefield of uncertainties. Was your measuring device calibrated? Was the distance triangulated? Who is Bing? (Gebrüder Bing from Nuremberg in my book), was there any independent verification of these measurements? Far too many questions!! That said, and given I don't have a dog to eat it, here are my calculations and although you didn't suggest as much, it could well be that the Drusian mile was used. What a fun task this was!! Drusian foot = 0.3326m 5000 pasus x 0.3326m = 1.663m = 1.033miles 3% error Gebrüder Bing measurement 4895 feet = 0.927 miles = 7.3% error I remember Paul Whitewick setting out to find milestones believing that there would be one every mile. I don't think they would have done this in stone or at all, only where they felt it would be useful. What do you think? There is now a new measurement for ISO to incorporate. True height of a Roman Milestone = 1 WC21. Great outro by the fire, KZbin has been tempting me with a Christmas message from Tom Baker but unless he puts his scarf on I won't be tempted!! All the best!!

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thanks David - excellent work. I can see my decision to make you a channel prefect was a sound one! Your calculation has produced something interesting there! I suspect the measuring rods they used were often set aside and the mile was just paced out, don't you? I was gobsmacked that my route came out at exactly one modern mile - what are the chances of that? You raise a good question about whether there actually was a stone milestone every mile. It sort of seems unlikely, but having investigated Roman Britain for a few years, nothing would surprise me really. However many there actually were, isn't it fascinating that 2,000 years later there is only this one place where two survive consecutively? I like the idea that a WC21 becomes the measurement for Roman milestone height in Britain. 5' 7'' is the measure! And ironically, I understand that was average male height back in the Roman day!

[@davidberlanny3308]

@WC21UKProductionsLtd Well if I'm prefect then I suppose I'll have to grass up the late arrivals, one of the Tweedies (not sure, never sure, which one) was sitting on the dock of the bay, and Hedley's been roaming two thousand miles to make that Tor his own. Still, I'm sittin' in the mornin' sun and incredible as it might seem I am on a dock. A dock built for the 1992 Winter Olympics in the centre of Granada!! It did look good having the result come up like that even if it's of questionable accuracy, it's that Whitewick dust effect again!! I'm sure they had a very practical method of positioning them. I liked the way the modern road wiggles at the end and yet the map shows the straightness of the earlier Roman one. Given how few milestones remain it's great to see these two exactly a mile apart, a great piece of investigation!!

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

David, I have now promoted your successful appointment on the Facebook page, but sadly I have to report that you have your first detention to supervise!

[@philcollinson328]

@@WC21UKProductionsLtd And my wife will pity him 🤣

[@davidberlanny3308]

@WC21UKProductionsLtd Thank you very much .... I have decided to use the fuedal definition of the role (well according to Wiki anyway) Especially in Medieval Latin, præfectus was used to refer to various officers-administrative, military, judicial, etc.-usually alongside a more precise term in the vernacular (such as Burggraf, which literally means Count of the Castle in the German language). Count Von David sounds good🤣🤣🤣

[@69waveydavey]

Sticking 2 fingers up, then 1. I'm horrified but the Stiga articulated mower made up for it. Farmers buried gateposts and large pieces of stone in their yards to make usable surfaces for livestock trampling in and out. I have a friend with an old farm has loads buried (gateposts) and It's not far from a Roman road. I have told him what to look for.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Yes I’m sorry about that inadvertent gesture! I’d like to do a sweep of the gateposts round there - who knows?! Yes good mower that - I was jealous!

[@twanderson7756]

"Failed military alliance" - never a truer word WC21!

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Ha! I knew that would resonate! Cheers.

[@iainmc9859]

Lots of peopple seem to have been down with the lurgie recently. I had a dose in October so I was early to the party. If it was anything like Council employees the miles get longer as they drive further from home. Ever noticed that ? Nearby a town they're a bit shorter and in the middle of nowhere they're definately further apart. Maybe we should have a prize for the most imaginative re-use of a Roman milestone, gatepost is a bit parochial

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Cheers Iain. This one knocked us out, but hopefully on the mend now. I was go smacked this came out at exactly a modern mile - which it shouldn’t have, obviously! Happy new year to you.

[@iainmc9859]

@WC21UKProductionsLtd Happy Hogmanay, a wee dram might be in order 😵‍💫

[@educatedmanholecoverbyrich8890]

There are two Roman full height Mile Stones in Shropshire.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

In situ, do you know? I’m not aware of those. Cheers.

[@HotelPapa100]

Too baqd you didn't count your paces. Would be interesting to see how your compare to the official Roman ones.

[@philcollinson328]

Mr WC 21 is likely the same height as your average Roman legionnaire, I'd back his accuracy.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

I tried to work that out from the health app, but all my steps were muddled up in everything I’d done that day!

[@nickbrough8335]

The question has to be asked just how many Roman milestones have been left in place in Italy, France and Spain. Im currently in Nice and there is the remains of an amphitheatre, but no Roman milestones. Im not even sure where the main Roman Roads are either ! (Its probably in some unintelligible French book i suppose).

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Hi Nick, I think they have some there! In Italy they have the milestone from which all others were measured!

[@WILKSVILLE]

If you're posh it Doctor Whom !

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Do you know, I've never thought of that, but I think you're right!

[@philcollinson328]

@@WC21UKProductionsLtd Blasphemy ...He's more..Dr Who do you think you are to question a Timelord? 🤣

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

@@philcollinson328 😆

[@graemerigg4029]

Notes mug, goes to check if you have filmed the Rollright stones.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

No I haven’t filmed there yet, but I must! Very special place.

[@rileyuktv6426]

I’m miles ahead of everyone else ❤

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

You are - that was quick!

[@hatac]

There are indications that the local farmers did not scarper when the Romans arrived. There are places where the dead straight road merges with the local lane ways of preexisting villages and gets very wiggly. There are records of the Roman's praising or cursing the local produce from the farmers. There are records of the Roman soldiers taking local wives. Roman soldiers of the time were not allowed to marry until their service was done. Marrying the farmers daughter was a big no no that got recorded. There is one KZbin video from another antiquarian noting a roman road that takes a 10 degree detour around a low hill then gets back on line. The hunch is the surveyors or workers decided to put the local pub, beer and a bed above the dead straight line they had mapped out. In one case the Roman fort was abandoned. After loading all the carts, the troops all scarpered in the night leaving the commander and his household on their own to drive the carts south. A village sprang up around the empty fort within a year or two. The male burials decades afterwards are Roman burials in style but bone analysis showed these were the troops.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

And there are those very interesting round house bases inside the fort itself. I just wonder about the initial response when the Romans first arrived. The risk of enslavement was real. But of course, there is plenty of evidence of integration later on. Cheers.

[@craigix]

I've only just realised how much you look like Steed from the Avengers!

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

That made me smile - big Steed fan when I was young!

[@tinplategeektoo]

@@WC21UKProductionsLtd You'd certainly get more views if you looked like Honor Blackman though 🤣🤣🤣

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

@@tinplategeektoo Yes indeed! It's weird, when I was young I preferred Emma Peel, but not now?!

[@TheSonsofFalstaff]

If the story of the milestone robbing farmer is correct then within only a couple of miles should be a field opening with a Roman milestone as a gatepost. I'm surprised no-one has tracked it down.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

I know - I get the sense there might be a couple out in those fields. I need to sweep them one day, but knowing how things go, I bet they won't be near any footpaths!

[@TheSonsofFalstaff]

@@WC21UKProductionsLtd My apologies. I rattled off that comment on the way out. I couldn't wait 'til the end of the video. Has anyone checked the farmyard mileposts for the inscription you quoted I wonder. If not it can't be far away. Enjoyable stuff as usual.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

@@TheSonsofFalstaff I know, I've often wondered where the spilt bit ended up. It's probably still out in one of those fields. Sadly, it's not all open access along that stretch.

[@AndyJarman]

Now watch John Cooper Clarke's rendition of "Bongo's lost his trousers."

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

I will look that up now!

[@1972tommyc]

Get yourself a cotyla of hot toddy to send off that flu bug. Lovely video to end 2024 and looking forward to all your efforts in the coming new year. How long is a piece of string? 🧐🤔

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Cheers and thanks. Looking forward to another year of investigations! Happy new year to you and yours.

[@AndyCallaway]

Ah yes. The Armstrongs. Probably my ancestors. 🤔

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

I’m sure they are nice nowadays! They were tough times!

[@PaIaeoCIive1684]

There are a few 'measuring sticks' from the roman era corresponding to Roman feet, but it's likely the distance measuring squads simply paced with care to determine the next milestone location. Since the modern Briton -- including ant aquariums? -- is a little taller than the 5'7" Roman average, maybe this accounts for Roman miles being marginally shorter than ours? (Only joking). Remember seeing a nice big milestone in Leicester Museum which had stood by the road as the base of a lamp. As a milestone it was useless anyway, the inscription just blowing Hadrian's trumpet but not saying how far it was to town. I'll bet the egos of the Emperors were massaged seeing their names inscribed on every monument and building around, though with the knowledge that if they fell out of favour their name and deeds would be erased rapidly. Hope the lurgy leaves you soon and hope you have a thrilling 2025. Be seeing you.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you and at 5’ 7’’ myself I didn’t know I was average Roman height! That Leicester example is presumably locked away with the museum being shut. It’s such a shame, they had some great stuff in there!

[@PaIaeoCIive1684]

@@WC21UKProductionsLtd Gosh, like Tom Cruise you look bigger on-screen! Leicester city has a remarkable history and was a Roman settlement with fine Roman remnants in the town as you probably know. I was digging in Leicestershire decades back and our best finds were transferred to the museum (a couple to the BM, London) after, which gave me the chance to look behind the scenes at the mediaeval and Roman sections. Like most museums what's on show is the tip of the iceberg. Cheers.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

@PaIaeoCIive1684 thanks! Unlike Tom Cruise, I'm quite happy with my height and never wear platform shoes! Yes, Leicester is amazing - just such a shame what they've done - or rather not done - with the museum. I made a video about it - Cancelled Roman Town - that must have been in late 23 and yet, as far as I know, here we are a year later and the museum is still not open. Really frustrating.

[@PaIaeoCIive1684]

@@WC21UKProductionsLtd Hello again younger Sir! Yes, I was a little worried I'd been heightist there! Tom's that height without the shoe assists and only gets picked on because the height of Hollywood leads tends to be 6 ft or more. If you look at historical male average heights in Britain it's been around 5'6"/5'7" for a couple of centuries, with only the post WW2 era leading to an increase. I should watch more of your entertaining product -- I was only recommended you by the algorithm recently -- including that Leicester one. The museum there's a good one as befitting a long-important town. Last week I visited another fine provincial museum in Guildford which displays its small-town history from prehistory on well. Cheerio and thanks for responding.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

@PaIaeoCIive1684 oh sorry, I don't know why, I had the idea in my head that he was angsty about his height. I know next to nothing about him, to be honest. Yes, I think there has been a surge in male height in the last 70 odd years. Both of my sons tower over me. Glad the algorithm did its work and welcome!

[@AndyJarman]

Thank goodness a bit of insanity to brighten the impending doom of a Monday morning.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Hope it helps. Is it back to work tomorrow?

[@Ribeirasacra]

Farmers! Give an inch and they'll take a mile

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

That's very good. And also very true in this instance, it seems! Happy new year.

[@PhilipMurphy8]

Wish you all the best in 2025, Doctor Who however doesn't seem as good as when David Tennant did it

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you and all the best to you and yours. I’ve never been much of a fan of the post 2005 version of Doctor Who, but this current Disney stuff is really not my cup of tea. I find it quite boring.

[@kersebleptes1317]

Not bad for a flu-ridden wreck! 👍

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you - hopefully on the mend now! The fresh air did me good.

[@afvasmr8035]

Drinking out of that mug I’m worried you will be going purple haired in 2025 as long as it wasn’t woke cool aide we will put it down to you having a cold

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

I didn't have one beer over Christmas, but I'm looking forward to making up for that soon!

[@garyevans5605]

Gee take care of yourself.

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thanks! On the mend now!

[@michaelpeacock6360]

Thanks

[@WC21UKProductionsLtd]

Thank you, Michael!