Wadesmill Turnpike, Thundridge, Herts. UK
Posted by: 
bill&ben
N 51° 50.439 W 000° 01.667
30U E 704746 N 5747492
A plaque commemorating Britain’s first turnpike in 1663.
Waymark Code: WM7AGA
Location: Eastern England, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 09/27/2009
Views: 6
The upkeep of medieval roads was the responsibility of landowners, until Tudor legislation gave the task to the parish, every householder having to contribute six days' work each year. In 1663 a new method was introduced, when a Turnpike Trust was formed to improve the road between Wadesmill (Thundridge, Hertfordshire) and Stilton (Huntingdonshire). The Wadesmill Turnpike was created by Act of Parliament ("The Turnpike Act") in 1663 as a result of serious deterioration of the "Old North Road" due to travel by laden barley wagons supplying the brewing trade in the nearby maltings town of Ware. Money for repairs was raised by collecting tolls from the users of the road.
Many more such trusts were set up during the 18th and early 19th centuries - an Act of Parliament being needed for each one - until eventually there were over 1,100 trusts administering some 23,000 miles of road. The system was unpopular and inefficient. In the 19th century the trusts were unable to cope with competition from the railways and the demands of heavier road traffic. Their maladministration and insufficient funds caused Parliament to withdraw their powers, so that during the 1860s and 1870s most trusts were wound up by law.
The tollhouse that was used in the 19th century has a plaque commemorating the Wadesmill Turnpike. The plaque reads
THIS BUILDING WAS THE TOLL HOUSE
IN THE 19TH CENTURY FOR
THE WADESMILL TURNPIKE
THE FIRST SUCH ROAD IN THE COUNTRY
ESTABLISHED BY
ACT OF PARLIAMENT IN 1663
THIS PLAQUE WAS ERECTED BY
THUNDRIDGE PARISH COUNCIL
IN JUNE 2002 TO COMMEMORATE
THE GOLDEN JUBILEE OF
HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELISABETH II
There is also a sign on gates at the side of the old A10 at N51 50.564 W000 01.629
Type of Historic Marker: Sight of Britains first turnpike
Historical Marker Issuing Authority: Thundridge Parish Council
Age/Event Date: 06/01/2002
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