A DISTINCTIVE and noted Cornish signpost with important historical and cultural associations has been recreated and reinstalled after its eye-catching, red-painted arms were stolen seven months ago.

The iconic and cherished Red Post signpost marks the crossing of the A3072 Holsworthy to Bude and B3254 Launceston to Kilkhampton roads in the parish of Launcells, North Cornwall.  It is the first directional way-marker encountered by those entering Cornwall from the direction of Holsworthy, Devon. Red Post is also unique in Cornwall.

The geographical importance of the area where Red Post stands is shown by adjacent Bronze Age burial barrows, which mark the ridge separating tributaries of the rivers Neet and Tamar. Marking territory has been of importance in this area for more than 2,500 years.

The area has been labelled on maps as ‘Red Post’ since at least 1817. Around that time, it became home to a brick and tile works and a wharf for the Bude Canal. Red Post has also lent its name and identity to the nearby Red Post Inn and Tourist Park, and the Red Post Service Station.  The historic inn is said to have smuggling connections and the crossroads on which it sits, and for which Red Post gives directions, was used for public executions and gibbeting of criminals. 

In more recent times, for visitors to Cornwall, Red Post has been a welcome sign that they are nearing the coast and the spectacular sea views afforded from Hobbacott Down. Until the theft of its signpost arms earlier this year, the taking of ‘selfies’ at Red Post had become commonplace, and for locals, Red Post was a cherished aspect of their local identity and heritage.

Then, in April 2021, a local dogwalker came across all four directional fingerposts of Red Post lying on the ground – and by the time she came back they had all been taken away, presumed stolen.  

Chair of Launcells Parish Council Alan Whittle said: “Launcells Parish Council took on the task of replacing the ionic post. However, we are not a big (or well-off) parish and we needed help. We set up a crowdfunder, which raised over £2,200, while the Parish Hall committee, the Parish Magazine committee and the Parish Council all contributed.

“Mr Paul Horrocks, of the adjacent Red Post Inn gave a substantial donation, with the final sums to get us to our target coming from the Cornwall Council Highways team and from the Local Community Chest via Nicky Chopak, our local Cornwall councillor.

“Thanks to the generosity of the many, we had the money required. We then had to get the post re-cast and installed. Fortunately, we had a template for one of the arms stored from a previous re-casting. From that, and using their skill and expertise, Iron Bros of Wadebridge were able to remake all the templates required to re-cast the four arms of the post.

“Finally on Saturday morning, a gang of Cormac workers came up and reinstalled the arms and finial securely into place.

“Thus, this iconic, historic and much-loved signpost has been restored. It was a pleasure to hear and see many travellers signalling their delight by sounding their car horns as they drove past the team during the installation. 

“Launcells Parish Council wishes to express its huge appreciation to all those who have helped make this community effort successful.”

Now Red Post once again stands as a distinctive landmark for locals, visitors and selfie-takers to admire.

The Post would like to thank Launcells Parish Council chair Alan Whittle for the information provided