Turnpike Trusts in Devon were set up through various Acts of Parliament from 1753-1831 resulting usually from vigorous petitioning by local worthies about the state of the roads in the County. Their remit was to repair existing roads and where necessary widen and build new sections. The Exeter Turnpike Trust was the first be formed and at its peak had responsibility for around 150 miles within the County.
Tolls were to be charged to horse drawn travellers to fund the road repairs and to facilitate a 24-hour presence of their collectors the Turnpike Trusts built small associated dwellings at their gates: - the toll-houses. They generally comprised very minimal accommodation of two rooms with a scullery and privy attached, although larger types did become more common in later years. Usually one or two storeys high, the houses came in many shapes and sizes. They were both functional and to some extent expressions of architectural style often employing an octagonal ground plan to advertise their special purpose. Today in the first half of the 21st Century many of these roadside buildings survive as private dwellings in Devon.
Tim’s illustrated talk will show examples of survivors within the County and will place particular emphasis on those houses that operated for the Exeter Turnpike Trust with some tales of the toll-collectors from the mid to late 19th Century. There will also be reference to turnpike related items such as milestones including a remarkable set of markers running from the city out to Chudleigh that received Grade II listed status as recently as 2017.
Our speaker, Tim Jenkinson, has lived in South Devon since 1988. He has had successful careers at the University of Plymouth, where he taught nursing, and as a local historian. As a historian, he has written and published a number of articles and books about the history of Devon, including books about toll houses.
If you are a member of the Exeter Local History Society, tickets are free for you - please select a £0 ticket when registering for the event. If you are not a member of the Society, there is a small (£5) entry fee. If you would like to attend as a non-member, please select a non-member ticket when registering.
More information about the Society and its events can be found on the Society's website at www.exeterlocalhistorysociety.co.uk.
