Dunstable
Dunstable Toll Gate

Places > Dunstable > Tolls

by Rita Swift

At a Council meeting in 1871 the subject of the Toll Gate near Dunstable on the road to Kensworth was under discussion. It was proving detrimental to the town with farmers and gardeners etc preferring to go to Luton or elsewhere rather than pay the 6d toll which was considered expensive.

However in 1877 the matter was finally resolved, thanks to the persistent efforts of Mr Alderman Lockhart and some other gentlemen. The decision was made to close the Toll Gate on the 31 October 1877 and the gate and the house to be demolished soon after.

William Shuttleworth, the keeper of the tollhouse, opened the gates just before midnight on 31 October to allow all travellers free access. Soon afterwards a number of people came from the direction of Dunstable lead by a band and as the clock struck 12, although the gate was open, they began to attack and destroy it. Mr Shuttleworth tried to calm them down even offering them wine, but they swore and threatened to physically abuse him. He retreated, frightened and shaking to his house but not before he had recognised, and could name 4 of the ringleaders. Later in court he explained that others participating he only knew by sight but not by name. Stones were thrown at the lamps, which together with the palings were torn down and smashed. The notice board with the list of tolls and the gate were torn down and set on fire with the disturbance continuing until 2 o'clock in the morning.

The following week at Hemel Hempstead Petty Sessions, Henry Burgess, Frederick Latham, Frederick Pitkin and Henry Limbrey all of Dunstable, were charged by Mr. William Shuttleworth of Kensworth with damaging a gate, pales, lamp and other articles, the property of the trustees of the Dunstable and Pondyards Turnpike Trust, to the value of 2. Mr. Edward W. Beal prosecuted. A verdict of guilty was pronounced and the defendants were ordered to pay 2 damages and 4. 8. 6 costs.

Page last updated: 27th January 2014