Tollhouse

Many tollhouses were built by turnpike trusts in England, Wales and Scotland during the 18th and early 19th centuries.

Those built in the early 19th century often had a distinctive bay front to give the pikeman a clear view of the road and to provide a display area for the tollboard.

The great age of canal-building in Britain was in the 18th century, so the majority exhibit the typical features of vernacular Georgian architecture.

In the English Midlands, a major area of 18th century canal development, most are of mellow red brick and hexagonal in plan, and tall enough to give the lock keeper a good view of local traffic on the canal.

Being small, most have proved unsuitable for occupation, and so are often used as shops or tourist information outlets.