Years ago when people travelled between large towns and cities they went by stagecoach and the horses would be changed at staging posts - usually inns - on the way. But they would also have to stop to pay tolls, as roads were privately owned and each stretch of road would have a toll-house at each end.
This is one of those toll houses. It was built in 1760 to take the money from people going on what is now the A140 between Ipswich and Norwich.
Then in 1971 the road was due to be widened and the toll house was to be demolished. Luckily a man called Mr Sniechowski of Ipswich offered to pay for the transportation of the little house - only 20 foot square, to Needham Market.
In May 1972, after six weeks preparation, the roof was finally lifted by a 35 ton crane and put onto a huge trailer. It cost £2,000 to move, needed 22 workmen and could only travel at 10mph. The journey took six hours along country lanes. The walls of the cottage were then dismantled and re-erected within two months.
It was intended as a fishing lodge for the new Needham Lake but in 1982 permission was given for the toll house to be used as a dwelling for 5 years which was then extended.
Luckily during this time the District Council decided that as it was a unique building it shouldn't be allowed to fall into disrepair.
Stowe Veterinary Group bought the building and in 1986 added an extension for extra space to be used at a vets surgery for Needham Market and the surrounding area.
Initially, newly graduated veterinary students working there, used the bedroom and lounge of the cottage as their accommodation but as the surgery got busier more space was needed for the waiting room and reception.
The Mustard Pot - as the building is called - will be looked after and cared for as part of our local heritage.
Back Tomorrow
Sue
Fascinating! What a beautiful thatched roof. Glad I checked in with your blog.
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading
DeleteThat is good the Toll House was moved and saved, that is a fine looking thatched roof. I like the colorful map in your blog header.
ReplyDeleteThe map is of a postcard of Suffolk. I lost it then found it again
DeleteI'm glad the building was saved and is protected.
ReplyDeleteMost of all, I love the new header. Maps have as much appeal as books and can happily while away any amount of time looking at them, which has proved fortunate over the years as I have had to spend many an hour waiting in the car for certain people. In those circumstances, when I tire of people watching, a book of road maps comes in useful for entertainment purposes!
Love an OS map - can examine it for ages
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely thatched building, typical of Suffolk and surrounding counties.
ReplyDeleteIt's an interesting story
DeleteGlad they saved the building, fascinating history. Love the new header, maps are so interesting.
ReplyDeleteYes I love a map too
DeleteThe road not far from us that takes us to Ely via Shippea Hill is still known as Burnt Fen Turnpike. No sign of a toll house now though.
ReplyDeleteThere are still a few left in Suffolk - I've reserved a library book about them
DeleteWhat good use is being made of the toll house.
ReplyDeleteGood thing it was saved
DeleteGreat story - positive protection for an important piece of heritage. I love the new header, great map! I live just off the top!
ReplyDeleteThere's probably a Norfolk postcard like this in gift shops
DeleteThere are a few former toll houses near me, but none as pretty as "The Mustard Pot". Great that it was saved and found a new purpose.
ReplyDeleteI've reserved a library book to find out about the others we have in Suffolk
DeleteWhat a brilliant use for a gorgeous old building. I always find it amazing that a building can be moved lock, stock and barrel that way. Although I doubt I would like to be stuck behind one moving at just 10mph for too long.
ReplyDeleteThere have been a few homes moved like this, some from the edge of the coast where they were about to be swept away and others because they were worth saving
DeleteWhat a great use for a saved building. There was a little gatehouse in Hamilton that was moved about half a mile and extended for an architects’ practice. Catriona
ReplyDeleteGood thing it was moved all those years ago - doubt it would be feasible now
DeleteWonderful that is was saved. We have a "Toll Bar Cottage" on the main road through our village.
ReplyDeleteThere would have been so many on all the major roads of the C18
DeleteAlways good to hear a story that has a happy ending - thanks for the interesting history of the little building.
ReplyDeleteAlison in Wales x
Oh how I enjoyed seeing the familiar place names on the map. It brought back so many memories. A cousin converted a large old barn into a home just outside Stowmarket. It is beautiful now but before they could begin they had to dig out several feet of manure, some of it was up to her shoulder.
ReplyDeleteSaving and re-purposing historic old buildings is never easy but always very worthwhile. The history alone is fascinating. I've never heard of thatched road toll buildings. Were there many of these buildings at one time? Our interstate roads carry multi-lane toll booths. When I travel from Massachusetts to Maine, I can spend $25-30 one way. The funds collected are used to maintain roads and this is important.
ReplyDeleteWow, so very interesting. I love the way they repurposed it to something that was needed by the area.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.