"Sacha" wrote in message
In Country Life I have just read that, in the 18th century, pineapples
were
very highly prized as a high status fruit to offer one's guests. This is
one of the reasons they're the symbol of welcome as shown in stone
pineapples on so many gateposts.

Well that is interesting. I've often wondered about those gateposts. I had
wondered if it was to do with owning of estates in the Windies.