No Time To Travel

During the Dark Ages, mankind lost the art of roadmaking. People travelled less and less. While bands of robbers made journeys by road even more perilous.

By the Middle Ages, the roads of Britain lay largely neglected, and up to the time of Henry VIII many were practically unusable. In winter especially, many were impassable and trading virtually ceased.

Under English Law, it was up to the Lord of the Manor to look after the roads in his domain.

But few bothered and it was left to the Church to keep roads in good repair.

When King Henry confiscated all the Church's possessions, he unwittingly dealt a death blow to English roads at the same time.

In 1555 things improved. A Highway Act was passed which made each parish responsible for maintaining its own roads and every parishioner had to work on the roads for six days a year! But because they were unpaid for their labours, the scheme failed.

<< The First Tracks

Turnpike Act >>