AN enthusiast in the village of Little Witley, near Worcester, has discovered a local connection with the man who gave his name to some of the county's distinctive milestones.

Harold Brooke-Bradley, who headed a programme to replace damaged milestones in the 1930s, was the first occupant of the schoolhouse in Little Witley and a prominent member of the community.

The information was uncovered by Celia Robinson, of Applewood Barn, Little Witley, who began researching the history of the village milestones as part of a campaign to save an 18th Century stone from being moved to Grimley.

"The Bradley Stones will one day be historic, so it came as a revelation to discover that Brooke-Bradley lived here," she said.

"He was an active member of the community and was responsible for the painting of the misericords (wood carvings) on the ceiling of St Michael's Church. This was rather controversial at the time."

Mushroom

About a third of the county's remaining milestones are Bradley Stones, shaped rather like a slice through the top of a mushroom, and designed by Brooke-Bradley, who was deputy county surveyor for Worcestershire at the time.

Born in 1894, he died in 1962, and was buried at Little Witley.

"He had two daughters and enjoyed riding, fishing, swimming and shooting. He is buried in the graveyard alongside his first wife, Ailsa Mary," said Mrs Robinson.

Her research about a 270-year-old sandstone marker at Elm Farm, on the other side of the Worcester road at Little Witley, has led her to believe it was originally intended as a boundary marker for Witley Court.

"The date carved on the stone, 1734, makes it pretty special, because we know exactly how old it is.

"It is significant because it coincides with the rebuilding of the parish church by the Foleys of Witley Court, who owned 2,600 acres," she said.

"English Heritage, the trustees of Witley Court estate, are looking into it."

Anyone with further information about Brooke-Bradley and the Little Witley milestones can call Mrs Robinson on 01886 888391.