This is a gate post in Yorkshire that was carved several centuries ago by Thomas Harwood.
It states that FRANCIS HARTUS TO REPARE THIS YAT AND THIS YATSTEAD T.H.1737.
In other words, Francis Hartus has the task of repairing this gate and gate post.

On another gatepost on the bank of Hardhill Gill is a much longer but damaged carving:
GO WITH CART AND CARIG ANY TIM(E) WITHOUT HINDRANCE...
IT IS IN WRITING FRANCIS HARTUS HAND AND SEAL 1737 T.H.