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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.