Historical information

In 1866, in an effort to maintain the main roads of the region it was decided to establish toll roads on the Belfast, Woodford Purnim and Allansford roads. Gates were erected and the leases were disposed of by auction. In 1867 the Woodford tollhouse was destroyed by fire suspected to be deliberate. The tolls were removed three years later after much opposition.

Significance

These tickets are a physical link to one of the earliest attempts to introduce a toll road in the district.

Physical description

Seven toll road tickets five mounted on card. Light paper. Six are for the Main Belfast Road and one for the Woodford road. There are various prices ranging from sixpence to three shillings. Four are cream in colour, one each of blue, yellow and green. They are accompanied by a small newspaper cutting which relates the discovery of one such ticket and the situation of the Belfast tollhouses which were later relocated to 94 and 96 Henna Street near the Alderdice brass foundry.

Inscriptions & markings

Shire of Warrnambool, Fairfax & Laurie Printers.