By Mary Bellis
Return to the History of Roads and Asphalt
John Metcalfe, a Scot born in 1717, built about 180 miles of roads in Yorkshire, England (even though he was blind). His well drained roads were built with three layers: large stones; excavated road material; and a layer of gravel.
John
Metcalfe
John Metcalfe, 'Blind John of Knaresborough',
built the old Stockport to Mottram turnpike road in 1765 and was paid the
princely sum of £3,200, when he had completed the job.
