ENGLAND and WALES

wxh, sheet: 25x21cm

wxh, map: 224x190mm

London; Published by Sherwood & Co. Paternoster Row. May 1 1824.

Scale of English Miles

1 to 4000000

60 miles to 1 inch

ENGLISH CHANNEL

HAMP SHIRE

LONDON

Winchester

Alton

Andover

Basingstoke

Christchurch [then in Hampshire]

Gosport

Portsmouth

Southampton

Winchester

In the General Map of England and Wales, opposite the Title-page, the Cross Roads are drawn in blue lines, in contradistinction to the Direct Roads in red. The points d'appui, where the roads join, being thus rendered prominently distinct, the Route from any one part of the kingdom to another may be easily traced, and referred to.

is used for an asterisk;

is used to show the 'section' character;

is used for greek character beta.

GRAY'S / ROADS

12.5x15cm

GRAY'S BOOK OF ROADS. / On an entirely New Plan. / PRICE SEVEN SHILLINGS BOUND; / OR, WITH A SERIES OF MAPS, FORMING A COMPLETE COUNTY ATLAS, / TWELVE SHILLINGS BOUND.

GRAY'S NEW BOOK OF ROADS. / THE / TOURIST AND TRAVELLER'S / GUIDE TO THE ROADS / OF / ENGLAND AND WALES, AND PART OF SCOTLAND, / ON AN ENTIRELY NEW PLAN, WHEREBY / THE DIFFERENT LINES OF ROUTE LEADING TO ANY REQUIRED POINT OF / DISTANCE ARE BROUGHT UNDER NOTICE AT ONE REFERENCE, / AND THE VARIATIONS SHEWN IN THE MARGIN: / THE GREAT ROADS, / EACH DISTINCTLY GIVEN, IN A CONTINUOUS LINE, FROM ONE EXTREME POINT TO / ANOTHER, AND THE / CROSS ROADS / SO ARRANGED THAT THE ROUTE FROM ANY ONE POINT OF THE KINGDOM TO ANOTHER MAY BE / TRACED WITH THE GREATEST FACILITY: / WITH A VERY COPIOUS GENERAL INDEX, / AND SEPARATE LOCAL INDICES TO THE PRINCIPAL TOWNS AND WATERING PLACES: / FORMING, ALTOGETHER, A COMPREHENSIVE, USEFUL, AND PERSPICUOUS / ITINERARY. / BY GEORGE CARRINGTON GRAY. / LONDON: / PRINTED FOR SHERWOOD, JONES & CO. PATERNOSTER ROW. / 1824.

J. G. Barnard, Skinner Street, London.

PREFACE

On publishing a NEW BOOK of ROADS, it is incumbent upon the Compiler to state the grounds on which he rests his claims to the notice of the public; particularly as they are already in possession of two books of established reputation on the subject, those of Paterson and Carey, both of them works of great merit, and each of them distinguished by some particular advantage.

It is, in fact, on the principle implied by these very circumstances, that the present work has been undertaken; for, that a third book, as well on this as any other subject, may also possess advantages, exclusively its own, will be readily admitted when the extreme intricacy of the subject is duly considered, as also that all knowledge being progressive, no limits can possibly be assigned to human improvement.

The grounds, then, on which this work rests its pretensions to public approbation, are, 1st, the novelty and perspicuity of the arrangement; and 2dly, the various advantages arising out of such arrangement.

The principal of these advantages are, that we are enabled to concentrate and bring under the immediate notice of the traveller, at one reference from the General Index, the various lines of route leading to any required point of distance; and to shew the variations, not only to the ultimate point, but to all the intermediate points on the line, as exemplified and illustrated in Route I. where, at Gloucester, for instance (page 4), it will be seen that there are no less than ten variations of route to that ancient city. To Hereford, the variations are more numerous, inasmuch as the route thither is not only subject to the variations of Gloucester, but may be made through Worcester, whence it may be continued either through Malvern, or by way of Bromyard, or Stifford's Bridge. The direct line of route being given in a continuative sequence to the ultimate point of distance, and the aberrations from that line being shewn in the margin, the connecting lines of route are thus brought under the notice of the traveller in a manner which the Com

piler trust will be found as perspicuous as it is novel and hitherto unattempted.

The Cross Roads are also arranged on an entirely new plan, so as to obviate much of the intricacy which appears almost inherent in works of this description, and inseparable therefrom, and thereby enable the traveller to connect the several Roads with each other, with the greatest facility; the general index, in subserviency thereto, having been formed on such a plan as also to include distinct local indices to the principal places.

Other advantages will be found in the facilities afforded for the computation of distances, as shewn in the general explanation of the plan, p. Viii.

Besides the above, another, and not the least advantage, in the estimation of many persons, will be found in the compression of this work within the limits of a pocket volume, so as to render it a most useful companion on horseback, or on pedestrian excursions, its bulk having been so far reduced by means of a compact and purposly adapted type. If what has been frequently observed of books generally be admitted, and the observation applies here with peculiar force, that a great book is a great evil, the advantages arising out of the converse proposition must be too obvious to need further notice, particularly as, in reference to a Book of Roads, the convenience of portability is so indispensable an object of consideration.

In furtherance of this object, the Compiler has of necessity been obliged to exclude all topographical information, except where it could be conveniently introduced, and also to limit his notice of the noblemen and gentlemen's seats to such as most prominently engage the attention of the traveller, or are otherwise celebrated. This deficiency is, however, the less to be regretted, in the accomplishment of the undertaking, since ther requisite information is readily attainable in a multiplicity of topographical works of popular interest, some of which he has frequently taken occasion to refer to. As a pocket companion in this particular, Cooke's Topography is perhaps the most compendious, each county forming a separate and distinct volume, and comprehending (multum in parvo) much useful and interesting information.

But, though the GUIDE TO THE ROADS has been thus compressed into the pocket size in which it appears, it will, nevertheless, be found to contain several lines of route, and much information relative to the roads, exclusively its own. We may here particularize Route 36, containing the Devonshire

coast, and Route 53, containing a line of communication from the west end of the Metropolis to the Chester, Holyhead, and Manchester roads, not in any other book, as well as several lines of Cross Roads, an abstract of the new line now forming from Cheltenham to Hereford, &c. &c.

A novel feature of this Compendium, besides what are more appositely noticed in the general explanation of the plan, will be found in the introduction of the village churches, as seen on the right and left of the road. What traveller can ride over the hills of Worcestershire and Herefordshire, for instance, without wishing to know (by way of reminiscence of the places which so pleasingly arrest the attention, and call into action a variety of latent feelings) the names of the vilages which are occasionally seen to embellish the neighbouring eminences, and add so much to the beautiful picturesque scenery of those fertile counties? Many places are thus brought under the notice of the traveller, the names of which do not usually make their appearance in books of roads, in consequence of their being out of the direct line of road.

In the general execution of the work, it is hoped that it will prove satisfactory. Every care has been taken to render it as correct as possible, but in a work so abounding in figures it is too much to expect that it should be entirely faultless. The candid reader, however, appreciating the difficulties of the undertaking, will doubtless make due allowance for such errors as may have escaped notice. Any corrections, as well as suggestions for the improvement of the work, addressed to the Compiler, at the publishers, will be gratefully received, and duly noticed.

London, July 1824.

Since the sheet, containing the route to Cheltenham, has been printed off, the Compiler has been favoured with the following account of a further improvement on that line of road, in avoidance of Dowdeswell Hill: 'The new line of road, now forming under the direction of Mr. Baker, will totally avoid the dangerous acclivity called Dowdeswell Hill, by branching out of the present road at the bottom of the hill, and extending thereform, leaving Dowdeswell Wood on the left hand, and the Hill on the right. It will pass by Sandywell Park and Andover's Ford, and rejoin the present road about 200 yards above Frogmill Inn. The new road will form a very beautiful drive, and the distance will not be increased more than 200 yards. It is expected to be completed within the present year, and opened to the public next spring.'

Explanation of the Plan adopted in the Arrangement of the DIRECT ROADS FROM LONDON.

1. It will facilitate explanation, to consider each line of road simply as a line, and the towns through which it passes so many points.

2. Line of Route. The second and third columns of every page contain the line of route to the ultimate point of distance as seen on the opposite and following pages. The first column contains the variations of route to the different points on the line, and also the branch lines out of the great line of road.

3. Variations of Route. These will be seen fully exemplified, at 'Cheltenham' and 'Gloucester,' two leaves forward, where the different routes to those places are shewn in juxta-position, and distinctly referred to by means of the Capital letters enclosed within brackets. See also 'Oxford,' page 2.

4. Branch Lines. The branch lines are referred to, on the line of route, by means of the Italic type. For exemplification: the road to Windsor branches from Slough on the annexed line, where a reference is given to [A] in the first column, under which letter is also given the route to Staines. See further, [B] p. 2, which contains the route to Marlow, branching out of the main line through Burnham.

5. Local Distances. The arched figures (here first introduced into use) shew the local distances to the points d'appui distinguished by asterisks. For instance, on the opposite page, Salt Hill is seen to be 37 miles from Oxford, and Maidenhead Bridge 33. By means of these figures, the intermediate distances also are easily ascertained, as in the above instance, Salt Hill to Maidenhead Bridge four miles. When the arch is inverted, and placed under the figure, it implies that the distance is from the point above. See this exemplified under 'Cheltenham,' page 4.

6. Prospective Distances. At the principal points d'appui, as well others as those to which the local distances are computed, the prospective distances on the line of route are also given, as at Maidenhead, Henley, and Oxford. See also Cheltenham, Hereford, &c. By the aid of these distances, and of the arched figures, the distances from any point on the line may be instantly computed in the mind. For instance, a tourist at Taplow, joining this line of road at Maidenhead Bridge, perceives by inspection that the distance thence to Cheltenham is 73 miles; that is to say, to Oxford 33 as shewn in the column of local distances, and thence to Cheltenham, the prospective distance 40. The italic type here also distinguishes the branch lines; the route to Malvern, for instance, branching out of this line two miles beyond Cheltenham. The prospective distance from Oxford to Malvern is stated to be 56 miles; consequently Taplow to Malvern 89 miles.

7. Distinctions. Market Towns are distinguished by being printed in Capital letters, and those places where Post Horses are to be had, not being Market Towns, by small capitals, as COLNBROOK, SALT HILL. The letters R. and L. signify right and left. The CROSS ROADS are explained and illustrated, page 87.

CROSS ROADS.

The Cross Road in the environs of London, as well as the direct Roads, are many of them connected by the auxiliary lines of communication contained in the three preceding pages; the New Road from Hyde Park Corner (for instance), over Vauxhall Bridge, connecting the Sussex and Kent with the Western and North-west Roads; and the Road to Snaresbrook, on Epping Forest, the South-west with the North-east and Norfolk Roads. The western environs of the Metropolis communicate with the Holyhead, Chester, Manchester, and North Roads, through Edgware, p.84.

The novel and improved Plan of the Cross Roads here adopted, differing entirely from that of every other Road Book, will be easily comprehended from the following brief explanation:-

1. In the arrangement of the roads, every continuous line of route is concentred, as far as practicable, within one opening of the book. See five leaves forward, for exemplification sake, Be 19 to 23, containing the entire line of route from Weymouth to Chester and Liverpool, through Bristol, Hereford, and Shrewsbury, a length of 224 miles; and again, Br 35 to 40, containing the line of route from Exeter to Sheffield, through Bristol, Gloucester, Worcester, Birmingham, and Derby, a length of 238 miles, with branches for Torquay, Teignmouth, and the various watering places on the Devonshire coast.

2. Every continuous line of route, from one extreme point to another, is distinguished by the alphabetical letters prefixed, as by Be, Br, in the routes above re

ferred to. See also A 1, on the opposite page, &c. &c. The first and third columns of each page contain the continuous line, and the middle column shews the branch distances to the points of junction on that line where the roads converge. The utility of this column will be best appreciated by considering the map of England as a mathematical figure, and every continuous line as a right line; in which case the branch lines become either converging lines to, or diverging lines from, the continuous line.

3. The continuous lines of route are subdivided into sections of distance from one principal place to another, thus:-

1. Aberystwith to Shrewsbury;

2. Shrewsbury to Derby;

3. Derby to Lincoln;

as exemplified on the opposite and two following pages; these sections not comprising any particular periods of distance, but terminating at such points d'appui as best comport with facility of reference, and convenience of arrangement.

4. The arched figures shew the distances to and from points d'appui. Thus Montgomery, on the opposite page, is seen to be 54 miles from Aberystwith, and 22 from Shrewsbury. By means of these figures, the computation of distances, generally, is much facilitated: the distance from Newtown to Nottingham, for instance, on the annexed line of route, is seen with very little exertion of mind, to be 111 1/2 miles, thus, Newtown to Shrewsbury 31; thence to Derby 65 1/2; and Derby to Nottingham 15.

5. The general index is so arranged, that reference may at once be had to any required line of route, from any considerable town or watering place. For exemplification, suppose the route from Shrewsbury to Barmouth be required; or Barmouth to Shrewsbury. See idex, under Shrewsbury, which directs to 1 c, where, as seen on the opposite page, the road diverges at Mallwyd to Barmouth, through Dolgelly. On reversing the order of route, and travelling from Barmouth to Shrewsbury, Mallwyd becomes, vice versa, the converging point, where the branch joins the main line.

6. Where there are two lines of route from one place to another, they are placed, as far as practicable, in juxta-position, as on the opposite page, where 1 a shews the route from Aberystwith to Shrewsbury, through Montgomery, and 1 b that through Welshpool.

On travelling by cross roads, it should always be borne in mind that the best roads generally are those which lead to large towns; and though such lines of route may be, occasionally, somewhat circuitous, their circuity is well compensated by the better state of the road, the facilities afforded by the more frequent intercourse of stage coaches, the additional recommendation of good inns, &c. &c.

Portsmouth, through Kingston, Guildford, (thence to Chichester) Godalming and Peterfsield. - pp 59, 77. [Angel, St. Clement's.]

Southampton and Poole, through Staines. Alton, Winchester, and Wimbourn. - p 60. [Bell and Crown, Holborn.]

LONDON TO PORTSMOUTH

LONDON TO SOUTHAMPTON AND POOLE

LONDON TO FALMOUTH

LONDON TO EXETER, BY ILMINSTER.

LONDON TO BRIDGEWATER

LONDON TO PORTSMOUTH.

LONDON TO SOUTHAMPTON AND POOLE.

[From Southampton to Cowes, Isle of Wight, about 14 miles. Vessels sail every Morning and return in the Afternoon.]

LONDON TO FALMOUTH;

The Great Western Road, and Route of the Falmouth Mail.

LONDON TO EXETER, BY ILMINSTER [A];

Continued to LISKEARD and TRURO, and thence to LAND'S END.

LONDON TO BRIDGEWATER:

Thence to MINEHEAD; and to SOUTH MOLTON.

EXPLAINED.- The Roads from London are distinguished by Italic type, and by Roman Capitals; the figures immediately following the places referring to the page of the route, and those at the end of the line shewing the distance from London.- The Cross Roads are referred to, in the lines underneath, by the number of the section, with this character prefixed .

The LOCAL INDICES, as at Aberystwith, below, are distinguished by small Roman print. The letters f signify 'forward,' and r 'reverse.' Thus Aberystwith to Bristol, 17 r, the order of route being reversed and ending at 16. Again, Aberystwith to Atherstone, 17 f: the route continuing forward along the line A i, as explained page 87.

implies branch from the direct line of road. The distance being given from London, the place is easily referred to, on the line from whence it branches.