We strolled through a most enjoyable evening of historic transport and travel with Dr Mary Fewster as our guide. In ancient times, walking several miles to sell or buy goods at market, was not unusual. Local farmers would walk their animals to a central point, the drovers would then walk the animals, whether they be cattle, sheep, geese or turkeys, to market for sale. Horses have always played an important part of our lives, never more than transporting people and goods around the country. Most freight was carried by packhorses. Of course, roads were nothing more than muddy tracks. Main roads tended to be the remains from Roman times with little or no improvements until after 1750. Between 1750 and 1772 the needs of the Industrial Revolution now in progress required a good road system and the Turnpike Trusts became very popular. They took care of gated parts of roads charging a toll to all passing through. Monies would be used for repairs. In 1753 the Broad Wheel Act widened the wheels to reduce damage and by 1776 parishes were required to employ men specifically for repairing roads. Stagecoaches became a popular means of travel as roads improved, the Royal Mail started in 1784, able now to deliver mail across the country. Coaching Inns accommodated passengers. The Dukes Head in Great Yarmouth on North Quay dates to 1609 and was one such Inn. With its carriage arch to the side and stabling at the rear, it’s a good example which can still be seen today. (Note: Dukes Head is currently closed).
Milestones became information posts, predating road maps.
Rivers were important trade routes to the various ports. Canals had a vital role during the Industrial Revolution carrying raw materials from manufacturer to consumer. At their peak, there were 4000 miles of canals. In East Anglia it was the Norfolk Trading Wherries which were developed in the 17 th century. They became the key links carrying everything from coal, wool, and timber. In fact most goods were transported this way through the Broads and river system to Norwich, Yarmouth and Lowestoft. By the 19 th century there were hundreds of Wherries plying their trade.
The demise of all of the above happened with the arrival of the railway. Moving around the country became easier and faster with goods arriving at their destination in record time. By the time Queen Victoria came to the throne in 1837 there were already 400 miles of railway. In 1914, at the height of the railway, 20,000 miles of track had been laid. In the history of transport and travel it was the foresight of firstly, the Romans and then as time moved forward, our great engineers, our forward thinking pioneers.
Thanks to Dr Mary Fewster for an evening of such interest.