The Portsmouth Road and Its Tributaries: To-Day and in Days of Old

Name: The Portsmouth Road and Its Tributaries: To-Day and in Days of Old
Author: Charles G. Harper

By Charles G. Harper

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History - British Travel Writing

About This Book

A richly illustrated historical and topographical survey that traces a classic highway and its tributaries, combining archival research, local anecdote, and on-the-ground sketches to reconstruct coaching-era travel. The narrative moves along villages, inns, bridges, milestones and commons, recording roadside customs, episodes of everyday life, and the social and technological shifts—notably the arrival of rail—that altered the route. Period prints and authorial drawings accompany discussions of turnpikes, coaching services, travelers and local characters, yielding a layered portrait of a once-busy thoroughfare treated as both practical infrastructure and a repository of vanished rural and travel culture.

About the Author

Charles G. Harper

Charles G. Harper was a prolific English author and illustrator known for his works that explore the history and culture of travel in Britain. His notable titles include "Cycle Rides Round London" and "From Paddington to Penzance," which reflect his passion for the English landscape and its historical narratives. Harper's writing often combines vivid descriptions with a sense of adventure, making his travelogues both informative and engaging. He also contributed to the genre of picturesque biographies with works like "Half-hours with the Highwaymen," showcasing his interest in the colorful characters of British history. His diverse body of work continues to be appreciated for its charm and historical insight.