Reader and prolific comment monger David Evans recently commented about toll gates marked on old mapping, so I thought I’d go back as far as I could and see what I could find. There are a good few marked on the following map extracts, which should keep map fiends amused for a while. I suggest you download the images because they’re quite large. The evolution of some local placenames is rather interesting to see.
I’ve got something really good to come on tollgates, but it may have to wait until the weekend as work is a bit demanding right now. In the meantime, just take a butchers at the fine cartography. Old maps really are a window on the past.
Mid 1800's Ordnance Survey: a gorgeous evolutionary starting point. Click image for a larger version.
The central section at a better view size. Give me a shout if you want a different area.
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Hi Bob
thanks for scanning the map. It is very revealing and interesting. Please, as this site is globally accessible, could you scan the old photo of the TollHouse by the Anchor Pub, High Street Brownhills. I can’t remember where I saw it. I feel sure that international readers would be interested to see this. Perhaps there are images of the other toll houses, too.
As my great uncle Levi used to say, whenever he sat, quietly wittling away in the snug of his local, and supping good ale as he did so;-
“If yo want to goo fair in life, ne’er a monger nor a peddler be”
Good advice. I have never knowing monged in my life, but, I admit, I do find the need to have a surruptitious peddle more irresistble as time goes by.
Levi’s military career including taking part in the relief of Ladysmith. He was well respected for this.
His demise was as tragic as it was sudden. To this day nobody has admitted to popping that balloon on that fateful day. He left a half empty glass, apparently!
best wishes
David Evans
Hello all, there is a photo of the Toll House at Anchor Bridge
on clickintime, image number 2933, under Anchor Bridge.
hope this helps.
Howmuch
HI Bob
many thanks, howmuch.
Does anyone know if Wyrley Hays on this map is also Lord Hays coalmine, and if so, whether it was owned by Phineus Hussey in the 1720s? Perhaps David Fellows can help here.
I think this is the map which features in Gerard Reece’s book, but thanks, Bob for showing a greater area.
The canal arm dug by Hussey seems to go much further north across the common from its connection to the main Curly Wurly. I wonder how much of this private arm still remains visible over there.
Where is the Muckley Corner tollgate?
kind regards
David Evans, off to some some wittling!
I’ve already posted that before, check this post:
http://brownhillsbob.com/2010/11/27/weighing-anchor/
Cheers,
Bob
Hi Bob
thanks for the photo link. Were there two Anchor pubs,simultaneously, one either side of the canal, then? Seems a bit odd at first glance. The latest one lost its character when its beautiful Flemish exterior brickwork was painted over!
I think the pub/ building in the old photo may have been used as a start or finish line for the pigeon races which took part along the High Street. I think the birds were “skimmers” or some such name……during the late 1920s and 30s. Another tradition lost! Can anyone confirm or clarify, please.
kind regards
David Evans
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Hi Bob
In fact, this map is from 1813 and therefore precedes the Tithe Map of the Parish of Shenstone of 1838. It is particularly interesting to Stonnallites because it shows the grove of trees at the top of Grove Hill, whereas the later Tithe Map does not.
Bob, you still haven’t done you-know-what. 😉
Best wishes
Julian Ward-Davies
Hi Julian
This question of dating this series of mapping is somewhat vexed. Since it wasn’t surveyed in a unified manner like the later series, the OS were just getting into gear, the final drafts feature wildly conflicting historical information. Even the OS won’t commit to dates on most of it, often citing 1845/50/80 although, in reality, it was from whenever surveyors last passed through. You’re clearly correct about the date of the Stonnall draft, but I’d avoid claiming anything for the whole section ;0)
Sorry, haven’t had chance to change the links yet, work gets in the way sometimes. I *promise* I’ll do it tonight. This blog is a huge time-suck and just doing small stuff sometimes seems to take eons. My apologies, and thanks for your kind words earlier. We’re all huge JWD fans here. Can’t stop banging on about your work…
Best wishes, and my apologies
Bob
Hi Bob
the early map shows a “machine house “just west of Knaves Castle and the
Toll House on the Watling Street…I wonder what this was, if the map is very early 1800s..seems to pre-date Walsall Wood Church(1837?) and Springhill Church ( 1844?) I think.
Frog Hall is an interesting name, too. I think this was just by the Rising Sun pub..you have shown it on other maps before, I think. Was it a medieval manor? Who or what was a “Frog”?
best wishes
David Evans. my new specs are working well !