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Three manuscripts on parchment with red ink rules, embossed stamps and seals, with witness signatures on verso. 1822, 21 x 17 inches; 1844, 21 x 16 inches. 1853; 26 x 22 inches. Some browning to 1844, otherwise only light spotting and in fine condition. These three documents provide for the appointment of new trustees to replace those who had died or resigned. The Turnpike Acts recited the names of the original trustees, who were men of local importance, including those who had promoted the legislation, viz. landowners, clergymen, justices, town clerks, etc. They possessed extensive administrative and financial powers, but delegated day-to-day control of the trusts to salaried staff. The 1822 document refers to powers granted by the 1809 Act, which established 'the Road from Stockershead at the top of Charing Hill, to a certain place where the same joins the Road from Ashford to Canterbury' (i.e. Bagham's Cross). Following notices printed in the Kentish Gazette and affixed to turnpike gates, the election was held on 9 September 1822 at Halfway House on the Ashford to Faversham Road. Twenty-five new trustees were appointed to replace a similar number who had died. In some cases it appears that a son replaced his father; local trustees included the long-established landowning Deedes and Dering families. The 1844 document refers to an Act of 1830, which appears to have amended the 1809 Act, describing the road from Stockershead 'to a place called Bagham's Cross in the Parish of Chilham.' It also cites an Act of 1822, which consolidated the turnpike trust laws. Meeting on 24 May 1844 at the Swan Inn in Charing, three trustees chose five new trustees, including two clergymen, replacing the number who had died. Finally, the 1853 document also recites the 1823 and 1830 acts; three trustees met again at the Swan on 10 August and appointed five trustees, replacing four who had died. Again there is family continuity; Philip John Darell succeeds Edward Darell, Barling Sharpe succeeds Barling Sharpe and a clutch of three clergymen makes up the five. KENT ROADS KENT EAST KENT ROADS 19TH CENTURY KENT Albert, The Turnpike Road System. Seller Inventory # 20873
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