Highways, Byways and Turnpikes Around Stroud Exhibition

How did people get about 250 years ago? Many people asked to see our 2024 exhibition again, so come and have another look, and browse through the book that came out of it. 

This joint exhibition by local history societies is about our district's ancient tracks, early roads, turnpikes, tollgates, coaching inns, waggons, stagecoaches and their passengers.  

With old maps on display, you will see how routes developed between towns and villages in the district, how journey times were shortened by the new turnpikes (if you could afford a ticket) and the accompanying complaints, riots, potholes, accidents and highway robbery that became part of everyday life. 

The exhibition, and the resulting new book, were researched and written by local historians from Bisley, Chalford, Minchinhampton, Oakridge, Pitchcombe, Rodborough, Stinchcombe, Stonehouse, Stroud and Woodchester.