Government, trusts, and the making of better roads in early nineteenth century England and Wales

Abstract

Abstract Who develops infrastructure? This paper introduces new data to explain which actors developed better roads in early nineteenth century England and Wales. We find that central Government sponsorship and financing of new roads was limited to 100 miles on sections of the politically important London-Holyhead Road. By comparison non-profit turnpike trusts made almost thirty times more new road mileage by attracting both public and private capital. Although the London-Holyhead Road had the highest quality, most turnpike trust roads were good. By government working with and through trusts, a better road network developed, especially in industrializing areas and along Mail routes.