Turnpike fee

[jiho]

Hi all,

Can anybody please tell me what was the Turnpike fee about in London, early 19th?
I think i know what could it be today, but how about then?

Thanks

[Anglika]

Turnpikes were roads on which a toll [fee] was paid by a traveller. They usually had a gate at either end where the toll was paid.

They were often roads built by private individuals who were reimbursed for the cost of building and maintenance in this way.

The earliest turnpikes were constructed in the 17th century and there are still roads with tolls on them.

In the US it is the recognized term for a toll-carrying road.

[jiho]

So, the the concept is exactly the same as today.
But with real horses...

I thought toll roads were a modern thing.

Thanks a lot, Anglika