Roehampton Mounting Block

In 1654, a man named Thomas Nuthall made his mark on Roehampton. Not with a grand building or a lavish party, but with a simple stone. The Roehampton Mounting Block. This wasn’t just any stone. It was a mounting block for riders, a helpful step up onto their horses. It also served as a milestone. The inscription reads, “From London Towne to Portsedown they say tis myls three score.” This tells travelers they are sixty miles from Portsmouth. Nuthall placed the Roehampton Mounting Block here to commemorate his new job as local road surveyor. Imagine him, freshly appointed, overseeing the placement of this sturdy block. He likely envisioned it serving travelers for generations to come. The Roehampton Mounting Block stood for centuries, a silent witness to the changing times. Fast forward to 1787. A traveler passing through Roehampton described the block in a letter. He even included drawings. This letter, published in The Gentleman’s Magazine, is the earliest known record of the Roehampton Mounting Block. The traveler noted its inscription. He also mentioned that it was positioned “opposite the 9-mile stone,” giving us another clue to its original location. The Roehampton Mounting Block’s journey took an unexpected turn. It disappeared sometime in the 19th century, seemingly lost to time. Then, in 1921, it resurfaced during the demolition of a barn in Wandsworth High Street. How it got there remains a mystery. The Roehampton Mounting Block was recognized by local historian Ernest Dixon. He bought it and displayed it in his nurseries, and later his garage, on West Hill. It then moved to a local garden before being stored at Wandsworth Museum and the University of Roehampton. Finally, in 2018, the Roehampton Mounting Block returned home. It was re-installed near its original location in Roehampton Vale. So, as you stand before the Roehampton Mounting Block today, remember its long and winding journey. It’s a testament to the enduring power of history, even in the simplest of objects.