Historic turnpike marker returns
An historic turnpike trust marker has been restored and returned to Lower Bristol Road, Bath, thanks to the World Heritage Site Steering Group working with Twerton Liberal Club and the Museum of Bath at Work.
The marker was erected in 1827 at the boundary of the parishes of Twerton and Widcombe, but later moved during road improvements at Brougham Hayes and kept at the Museum of Bath at Work. By kind agreement of the museum and Liberal Club, the marker has been returned to the street where it belongs, close to its original location.
The replacement is one of a series of projects paid for by the World Heritage Enhancement Fund, which is a partnership between the World Heritage Site Steering Group, Bath and North East Somerset Council and Bath Preservation Trust.
Turnpike Trusts were formed in the eighteenth century by private entrepreneurs intent on improving the roads which were often at best rough tracks and in the winter became muddy quagmires. Bath Turnpike Trust, created in 1707, was one of the earliest such trusts in England. The investors recouped their money through toll collection from travellers using the turnpikes.
Throughout Bath many markers and milestones can still be seen, but some have sadly been lost. This replaced marker is an attractive reminder of the evolution of our transport system and the depth of our local heritage.
To find out more about the World Heritage Site status go to www.bathnes.gov.uk (search under ‘W’), and for information on the World Heritage Site Enhancement Fund go to www.bath-preservation-trust.org.uk/
