Turnpike Trusts (Britain)

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Turnpike Trusts were local organisations in England and Wales, each established by a special Act of Parliament. They consisted of local gentry, manufacturers, and other substantial persons. Many trusts were charged with repairing certain roads which were listed in the Act. Often they were also authorised to divert roads, and occasionally to build completely new ones.

They were authorised to collect a toll to finance the works. Usually, a substantial initial sum was needed and this was borrowed on mortgages of the tolls.