In praise of Ned Boulting...

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Richard A Thackeray

Legendary Member
They're all wrong. Most British roads were built for horses, which is why they are so narrow and twisty. From 1700 on turnpike roads were built for horses and carriages as Britain's economy grew and industrialised

It was cyclists who first pressed (& also raised subscriptions) to help pay for them surfacing though, rather than been rutted &mud strewn

http://www.roadswerenotbuiltforcars.com/
 

Globalti

Legendary Member
It was cyclists who first pressed (& also raised subscriptions) to help pay for them surfacing though, rather than been rutted &mud strewn

http://www.roadswerenotbuiltforcars.com/

That looks like a fascinating book, thanks for putting it on my radar. For some odd reason I am fascinated by the history of roads and once wrote an article that was published in Singletrack magazine on packhorse trails and why they are so good for cycling.
 

Richard A Thackeray

Legendary Member
That looks like a fascinating book, thanks for putting it on my radar. For some odd reason I am fascinated by the history of roads and once wrote an article that was published in Singletrack magazine on packhorse trails and why they are so good for cycling.
Packhorse routes, Salters 'roads', packhorse bridges (as they tend to be called) are some of my interests too

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As is, the 'Great North Road', particularly its (lets say..) 1900 - 1960s era, when it still passed through most towns; pre-bypass/upgrades, please see these links;
https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/your-ride-today.173254/page-67post-4449487
ttp://www.cyclechat.net/threads/your-ride-today.173254/page-672#post-4449510

These two books are, 'great'....., for the GNR (the 'Then & Now' is fascainating)

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Richard A Thackeray

Legendary Member
If it's out of print let me know and you can borrow my copy.
That is extremely generous of you, thankyou!!
 

Surlydave

Über Member
Am going see Ned at Bury St. Edmunds on Wed. evening. Theatre was nearly sold out when I got my ticket. Should be good.
 

snorri

Legendary Member
Most British roads were built for horses, which is why they are so narrow and twisty.
Horses or their owners did not have a preference for narrow and twisty, roads were that way due mainly to the terrain and the limited resources available to make them wide and straight.
 
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