A boundary marker in Belsize Park

CLEFT out of a lump of Portland stone, it was built to last.

But a historic boundary marker in Belsize Park is currently lying unloved and uncared for, prompting calls for it to be restored and set on to a plinth with an explainer to its importance.

The boundary marker dates from 1809  and was used to denote where one parish ended and another began.

But despite its age and obvious local historic significance, it is currently lying on its side in the grounds of the former nurses housing block in England’s Lane.

And now neighbour, retired lawyer Nicolas Greenstone, has called on the Town Hall to urgently care for this piece of local history.

Nicholas Greenstone looked through the gates to see the boundary marker on its side

The boundary markers, made from rock quarried from Dorset, can be found across London as signs of parish and ward boundaries. They would have had significant roles to play – not just as geographical sign posts, but to denote respon­sibilities for services such as parish rates, work houses and the upkeep of utilities such as roads and water pipes.

Mr Greenstone, who has lived in Belsize Park since 1998, said the stone once stood upright and visible.He said: “It is a marker to the past and deserves to be cared for properly. It has been lying on its side sadly forlorn, for a long time. I would like to see it restored and put in a place where it can be seen.

“It should be mounted on a plinth with a plaque explaining its providence.”