Clarkston Toll
c1890
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b/w postcard of Clarkston Toll showing the old Toll House.
Title:
Clarkston Toll
Date of work:
c1890
Search dates:
04 Mar 1973 - 04 Mar 1973
Reference number:
890
Level of description:
Item
Type of materials:
IMG
Source:
Photograph cabinet - Clarkston
Access restrictions:
Unrestricted
Use restrictions:
UnrestrictedCopyright: East Renfrewshire Council
General notes:
Glasgow Road now goes to the rear of the Old Toll House, which was demolished in the 1960s. Clarkston Toll was part of an important trade route between Glasgow and Kilmarnock dating back to the 13th century when William Wallace caught up with and killed assailants in a chase from Mearns to Cathcart. In the second half of the 19th century life and habitation centred round Clarkston Toll and the area seems to have derived its name from Mr. John Clark, Toll Keeper, when the house was built around 1860. Between 1713 and 1844 there were nearly 300 Turnpike Acts passed in Scotland allowing the construction of new roads. The Old Mearns Road was the first in the district in 1753. With the development of the road system came the Tolls and the need for users to pay for their upkeep. Toll bars were placed across the road with charges. Toll keepers were always on duty and could be roused from bed in the middle of the night to open the gates. In 1898 the last toll bar in Renfrew was abolished and roads were taken over by the County Council. The Toll House was demolished in the 1960s.
Language:
English
Record number:
9261157