A Treatise on Roads
Wherein the Principles on Which Roads Should Be Made Are Explained and Illustrated, by the Plans, Specifications, and Contracts Made Use of by Thomas Telford, Esq., on the Holyhead Road
Cambridge Library Collection - Technology Series

The politician Sir Henry Parnell (1776?1842) was instrumental in drafting legislation to improve the important road linking London with Holyhead in Anglesey, a major port for communication with Dublin. He was aided by the pioneering civil engineer Thomas Telford, and in 1833 Parnell published the first edition of this thorough work on road construction and maintenance. Reissued here is the second edition of 1838. Drawing on his experiences with Telford, who called the work 'the most valuable Treatise which has appeared in England' on the subject, Parnell outlines not only the rules governing the planning of a new road, but also addresses the practical aspects of building and repairing roads, noting the various tools and materials needed. Parnell, later Baron Congleton, also highlights the connection between road construction and national development, and includes a number of appendices relating to contemporary legislation on the subject of roads.

Preface; Introduction; 1. Rules for tracing the line of a new road; 2. Principles of road-making; 3. Forming a road; 4. Drainage; 5. Different kinds of roads, and modes of constructing them; 6. Fences; 7. Road masonry; 8. Management of road works; 9. Improving old roads; 10. Repairing roads; 11. Road instruments and tools; 12. Road legislation; 13. Carriages; Appendices; Note; Plates.