Ness Road, Burwell

History of Ness Road

2 August 1899

Sir – I was cycling from Cambridge to Soham and between Burwell and Fordham I came suddenly upon a closed and barred gate, which I was kindly permitted to pass through on paying a toll of twopence. I learned that the gate is called the Ness Gate, that the roadway at this point is Crown property. In its present position this gate is a danger to cyclists but its very existence is a ridiculous and monstrous anomaly with its toll of 1d for every vehicle hailing from Burwell and 4d for every vehicle coming from less favoured districts. It is a very unfortunate circumstance that this piece of road is rented by the vice-chairman of the County Council – A.J. Wyatt. Credit: Mike Petty, Burwell Scrapbook 1897 to 1990, 1899 08 02.

5 November 1902 — index entry

Burwell toll gate, p4. Credit: Mike Petty, Burwell Scrapbook 1897 to 1990, 1902 11 05, p4.

28 November 1902

Newmarket RDC are to ask the County Council to use their influence with the Commissioners of Woods and Forests, the owners of the Burwell Ness Toll Bar, to ascertain on what terms they would allow it to be removed and the road made over to the public. There were a great many people in the neighbourhood who would be pleased to see the road open, including cyclists from all parts of the county. Credit: Mike Petty, Burwell Scrapbook 1897 to 1990, 1902 11 28.

3 December 1902 — index entry

Burwell turnpike road, p3 *. Credit: Mike Petty, Burwell Scrapbook 1897 to 1990, 1902 12 03, p3.

16 May 1905

Newmarket Rural District Council discussed the tolls payable at the toll-gate on the Ness Road between Burwell and Fordham. They were a great inconvenience to travellers & the Crown Receivers would accept £600 for the purchase of the tolls, making the road free. Mr Ambrose has promised £100 and if the County Council would contribute £250 they should find the remainder. 05 05 16d. Credit: Mike Petty, Burwell Scrapbook 1897 to 1990, reference 05 05 16d.

1 December 1905

The toll gate between Burwell and Fordham was removed and declared open and free from tolls for ever. Its removal will be a great blessing to everybody who has occasion to use the road. The price for which the gate has for ever been freed from tolls is £600; the county and rural councils have contributed £250 each and the balance raised by Mr Ambrose who declared the gate open 05 12 01a. Credit: Mike Petty, Burwell Scrapbook 1897 to 1990, reference 05 12 01a.

2 December 1905 — index entry

Burwell toll gate – history – 05 12 02c, d & e. Credit: Mike Petty, Burwell Scrapbook 1897 to 1990, references 05 12 02c, d & e.