MEM23407 - Spire Cross, Winsford Hill (Building)

A finger post that includes a special 'Ancient Monument' direction finger to Tarr Steps. It had been altered over the years, and had a black and white striped pole in 1958. It replaced a wooden finger post that was photographed in the 1930s.

A guide post is marked on modern MasterMap data. [1] The signpost was visited in September 2015 and its condition assessed. It has SCC (Somerset County Council) repeated on the four sides of a pyramid finial. The attached fingers read: EXFORD 7 WITHYPOOL 6 B3223 [modern camping sign] DULVERTON 5 B3223; interlocking with SIMONSBATH 9 LYNTON 19 B3223 KNAPLOCK WINSFORD 1 3/4 TARR STEPS [arrow] ANCIENT MONUMENT The collar reads SPIRE CROSS. The post was made by Sheldon Wells. [2] A photograph from around the First World War shows James Weetch beside a wooden signpost with 4 arms and painted alternate black and white bands. [3] SS 8883 3354. Spire Cross is named and a guide post is shown on the 1891 Ordnance Survey Map and routes lead from here to Higher and Lower Spire. The name "Spire" is likely from the Old English word for rush, perhaps suggesting a place where rushes grow. A simple wooden signpost is shown in a photograph likely to date after 1930 [3], which has a black and white striped post. It was likely removed in 1940. Three posts are mentioned in a guide book dating to 1928, marking the way to Tarr Steps. A cast iron signpost with a black and white striped pole is shown in a photograph taken in 1958. The current signpost is typically mid 20th Century (it may be the same post) but includes a number of replacement arms in different materials as well as a modern brown tourism sign. The Ancient Monument directional sign is clearly visible in the 1958 photograph. [4] The heritage asset was assessed for inclusion on the Exmoor Local Heritage List in February 2024. It was decided to add the asset to the Local Heritage List. [5]