The Old Roads of England

by William Addison

167 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1980

Reviews

[Sophie Turner]

This is an old book but I don't believe this specific topic has been covered in detail since, as this book is focused not as much on the history of travel in England, but on the development of the roads themselves.

[Richard Newbold]

This book dates from 1980, and the cover and title don't give the most positive impression of its current relevance, but stick with it and Addison 's elegant prose reveals a straightforward and rigorous examination of the historical development of England's road system. The book underscores how our transport network still largely follows the tracks and ancient highways of pre-Roman times, their remarkable civil engineering very much followed what had already been there over hundreds and thousands of years.

My interest is very much in period of the medieval and before - but I appreciate the succinct description of the growth of coaching routes and toll roads - it also traces how the west to east dominance of major roads became overlaid with the arterial routes into and out of London as the capital developed its [over]dominant role in the Country's history.

[Tim Garwood]

Superb, I normally add only fiction to my list as non fiction is very specific. But this is well worth a read. Following the roads of England from the Neolithic tracks and high ground walkways to there development to modern A roads and motorways. Roman roads are covered well and brings up to date their modern day locations and developments. A really good read