Toll House Project

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The Toll House Project

Refurbishment and Repair of The Old Toll House, Clopton Bridge, Stratford upon Avon

Project by The Stratford Society
and Roger Davis Chartered Architect

With the potential support of the
National Federation of Builders

Building to be used as a drawing studio and public exhibition display to promote The Stratford Society, and the Heritage Construction industry.

Renovation work to be undertake using voluntary donations and work contributed by local building tradesmen and craftsmen.

Survey and design work will be contributed by Roger Davis who will coordinate the voluntary work force. Use the scheme as a demonstration project for local involvement. Get local schools involved with the design and development process and engage with its history and future.

Gateway to Stratford, prominent restoration project with support from Town,District and County Council.Sponsorship from local businesses.

Completed scheme will promote Stratford Society, supporting the Architectural Heritage/Legacy with a local architectural practice.End of tourist trail from theatre via Cox’s Yard to car parks. Stratford Society prominent as last reminder of trip to Stratford upon Avon.

Roger Davis

4 March 2011

The History of the Toll House

July 1812	The possibility of installing a Toll Gate across Clopton Bridge to raise revenue was considered
Feb 1813	The right to run the Toll Gate was auctioned
March 1813	The highest bidder, a Thomas Keen, won the right by a very high bid of £535.0s.0d
June 1814	A Toll House was built with oak boards, 4 grates, a meat safe and a deal cupboard with 5 shelves.
	Toll Prices – Coach drawn by 6 horses 1s6d Coach drawn by 4 horses 1s0d Coach drawn by 2 horses 0s 6d Coach drawn by 1 horse 0s 3d Wagons 1s 0d Cart drawn by 3 horses or beasts 0s 9d Cart drawn by less than 3 beasts 0s 6d Horse and rider 0s 1d Oxen / cattle 0s 3d per score Calves / swine / sheep 0s 5d per score
1812	Mr Hopcroft, the Tollgate keeper, was ordered to produce a list of persons convicted under the ‘Bridge Act’ each quarter. If a person was convicted of ’ unlawfully or maliciously burn, blow up or pull down or destroy the said bridge’ transportation for life. Damage to the Toll House would attract a fine not exceeding £10.00 with costs .
1816	The Toll House roof was reported to be in poor repair
1820	The Toll House had fallen into disrepair by this date.
1822	The Toll House is rated at only £2.00 per annum.
1828	Many difficulties reported in collecting the tolls. A report of a Thomas Adams of Clifford Mill allegedly saying ‘Dam your eyes’ before putting his foot through the Toll House windows. He was fined 7s0d with costs of 8s6d including 2s6d for fetching the constable.
1839	Due to loss of traffic the levying of tolls comes to an end. James Cox moved his timber Yard business to Avon Warf from another part of the town and rented the Toll House at £7.00 per annum later reduced to £5.00 per annum.
1846	Toll House chimneys taken down.
	Clopton Bridge and the Toll House become grade 1 listed.
	Cox’s Yard timber business closes and Cox’s Yard complex opens. The Toll House is closed and left unused and semi derelict.
2007	Stratford Society asked to take on the Toll House as a restoration project. Before this can happen the Society needs to decide on its future use.