The Twisty Roads of the United Kingdom: A Journey Through History

When travelling through the United Kingdom, one thing becomes immediately apparent: many of its roads are twisty. This isn’t just an accident of nature but a reflection of the land’s rich history and the practical needs of past inhabitants. In this article, we’ll explore why so many British roads are twisty and delve into the fascinating tales they tell about the country's past.

Origins of Twisty Roads

Many of these twisty roads didn’t start life as proper roads, but as country lanes. These lanes would wind around fields, and for those on foot or horseback, the exact route didn’t matter. However, as these lanes became adopted as proper roads, their twisty nature remained due to the original routes taken. A poem captures this sentiment perfectly, with the lines: 'The rolling English drunkard made the rolling English road...' Of course, the poem is a charming way of putting it, but the true story is closer to the one you’ll hear in the next section.

Historical Roots of Twisty Roads

During the time when the British Isles were dense with forests, the story of twisty roads takes on a more practical turn. Forest cattle had defined routes that they followed, often deviating to water holes and avoiding marshes. Over time, as these forests were cleared, these routes became useful for humans too. As a group of ancient and practical cattle trails, these roads were utilized for human travel and even for driving pigs and sheep.

Examples of Ancient Roads

Take, for instance, an ancient road that traces its roots back more than 2000 years in the South East of England, in counties such as Kent, Sussex, and Hampshire. These roads are not just old; they are seamlessly integrated into the landscape, their age evident through the depth at which they sit below the general land level, the variety of plant species on them, and the age of the trees bordering them. These ancient paths played a crucial role in the development of villages, towns, and even trade routes.

Historical Significance

One such example is the ancient road from Wartling near Pevensey and Norman Bay. This road included a docking point that brought pigs from Normandy and shipped English sheep. The pigs were driven along a well-defined route, eventually ending up at a pig market. This trade route remained active for centuries and even influenced place names and local stories.

Incidents and Historical Figures

For instance, a passage through Wartling led to the village of Herstmonceux and then on to Warbleton, through a place now known as Callers Corner. From there, the road led to St Dunstan’s, then a farm, and finally to a pig market known as Heffle (now called Cade Street). It was on Cade Street that the revolutionary Jack Cade was cornered and killed by the Earl of Iden. The site is commemorated today with a stone marking where Cade’s fate was sealed.

Preservation of Ancient Roads

Some of these ancient roads are subject to preservation orders, ensuring that their historical value is not lost. The twisty roads in the United Kingdom are more than just remnants of the past; they are living links to a time when life was simpler and the land was thriving with wildlife. Many of these roads offer glimpses into the agricultural practices of centuries past and the strategic movements of people and animals.

Modern Day Significance

While these twisty roads may seem challenging to navigate today, they hold educational and cultural significance. Indeed, they can add a touch of authenticity and historical context to any travel in the region. Teachers and students can find even more relevance in these ancient routes, making history come alive.

A walk on these twisty roads can transport you back in time. You might find yourself taking the same path as King Alfred, navigating the Somerset Levels with his army, or as a merchant driving pigs from one market to another. So, next time you find yourself on a twisty road in the UK, take a moment to appreciate the rich history it embodies.