Former Toll House
Trent Bridge House, Newark NG24 1BN

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Early Beginnings

The Former Toll House in Newark-on-Trent is a significant historical building that dates back to the early 19th century. It was constructed around 1820 for the Newark Turnpike Trust, an organization responsible for maintaining and improving the roads in the area.

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Architectural Features

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• Georgian Design: The toll house is built in the Georgian architectural style, characterized by its brick construction with stone dressings and a slate roof. The building features a large central ridge stack set diagonally, rendered plinth, kneelers, and deep eaves on shaped brackets.

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• Strategic Location: The toll house was strategically located at the southeast end of Trent Bridge, serving as a checkpoint where travelers would pay a toll to use the road. This system was established under the Turnpike Act of 1663, which allowed for the collection of tolls to fund road maintenance.

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Historical Significance

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• Turnpike Trusts: The creation of Turnpike Trusts in 1706 marked a significant development in road transportation in England. These private companies were set up to collect tolls and maintain roads, ensuring better infrastructure for travelers and trade.

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• Economic Impact: The toll house played a crucial role in the local economy by facilitating trade and travel. The funds collected from tolls were used to maintain and improve the roads, contributing to the economic growth of Newark and the surrounding areas.

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Additional Historical Context

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• Trent Bridge House: Although we know from the deeds that Trent Bridge House was once owned by the Dukes of Newcastle, research into that family’s papers has revealed very little information. The house stands on land that once belonged to Lady Godiva of Coventry. In the reign of Edward the Confessor (1042-1066), Newark belonged to Godiva and her husband Leofric, Earl of Mercia, as part of the manor of Newark before the Conquest. The Department of the Environment describes it as an early 19th-century red brick building, but it is believed to be earlier in date, incorporating bricks from an earlier house.

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• Historical Illustrations: The first illustration of Trent Bridge House dates back to 1777 and appears in the "History of Newark on Trent Vol 2" published in 1904 by Cornelius Brown. A plan of the Castle from 1823 shows the tollhouse, and records indicate that an old lady and her daughter who lived in Bridge House took the tolls on the town side of the bridge. This was probably the Widow Brooksby, who paid £3 as rent in 1808.

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• Ownership and Occupancy: In 1888, the house was sold by Henry Pelham Archibald Douglas, 6th Duke of Newcastle, to Joseph Gilstrap Branston of Winthorpe for £1,000. It was occupied by J. Mather, who had a metal business at 1-3 Castle Gate. The property was sold with covenants restricting building extensions to preserve the view of the Castle. In 1900, it was sold to William Edward Knight, an agricultural merchant, for £1,500. The property changed hands several times, with notable owners including W. E. Knight Ltd and Ernest Knight.

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Modern Era

• Preservation: The Former Toll House is now a Grade II listed building, recognized for its historical and architectural significance. Although it is no longer in use as a toll house, the building has been preserved as a part of Newark's rich heritage.

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• Current Use: The toll house is currently disused, but its historical importance continues to be acknowledged and celebrated by the local community and heritage organizations.

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Cultural Impact

The Former Toll House stands as a testament to the evolution of road transportation and infrastructure in England. It reflects the ingenuity and efforts of the Turnpike Trusts in improving travel and trade routes during the Georgian era. The building's preservation ensures that future generations can appreciate its historical significance and the role it played in the development of Newark-on-Trent.