Starting in the early 17th century, old cannons no longer useful as weapons would often be utilized and then used as bollards for aiding ships to moor alongside quaysides. They would bury the cannon in the ground muzzle-first, approximately up to two-thirds of their length which would leave the rear end (breach) protruding above the ground allowing for ropes to be attached. Some of these cannons can still be found today and even though modern bollards are now purpose made they are often still produced in a similar shape to the cannon shape of old.

The next development would be at the start of the 18th century were Wooden Posts would be used to manage traffic, one well documented case of this is the ‘two oak posts’ which were erected next to the medieval Eleanor Cross at Waltham Cross in Hertfordshire, England in 1721. This was at the expense of the Society of Antiquaries of London and they were installed to stop the Waltham Cross from being damaged by passing carriages, many similar posts like these can be seen in historic engravings and paintings.

Due to transportation transitioning from horses to motorized vehicles, it would soon become clear that timber wasn’t quite cutting it and the production of bollard should change to using cast iron. Cast iron is a much more suitable material for the job as it is highly resistant to corrosion and has great durability and longevity. This being said, with the rapid advancement of technology these days, bollards today are being made out of a variety of materials to meet any requirement they might have.

Please click here to take alook at Mallatite’s Traffic Bollards.