Preston has a long history of being a transport hub. It was an important road junction for the Romans. Later, in the 18th century, toll roads were introduced to improve the state of the main roads...
Preston has a long history of being a transport hub. It was an important road junction for the Romans. Later, in the 18th century, toll roads were introduced to improve the state of the main roads. The early toll turnpike trusts were badly regulated and often dishonest and incompetent. However only a few main roads around Preston were toll roads. Most were managed by the local parish and even more haphazardly organised. Transport began by using log boats along the coasts and rivers.
The early road layout around Preston is shown above. Its strategic location on high ground, becomes apparent. On the right is the road that goes up the Ribble Valley towards Ribchester. The road on the left heads west, towards the Fylde coast, while the road going north heads towards Lancaster.Most roads were not turnpiked, only some of the main roads around Preston. The road towards Blackburn was one that was turnpiked. They were not very popular due to the cost.
The rather romanticised view of Preston, above, was issued by Meyer in 1863. It shows the town from the south. The main railway viaduct can be seen crossing the Ribble. The road in the foreground is unpaved. Un-turnpiked roads were looked after by the local parish. An unpaid, often corrupt surveyor, was appointed. Moreover, forced statute labour was used for maintenance. This involved unwilling paupers, who had to provide six days a year to work on the roads.
By 1835 the money for road maintenance was raised by a ‘highway rate’, in other words a local tax, like the council tax. Additionally, the surveyor role became paid. Gradually legislation led to the modern method of road management involving the County and local Councils.
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