Plymouth interest – Birmingham 1924 by A J Zimmerman and Co
A George V sterling silver presentation frame

Of shaped arched from, four glazed apertures fitted with toll tickets, an engraved presentation inscription reading “These tickets being the last issued prior to the freeing of the tolls on the Stonehouse Bridge, Mill Bridge and Embankment Roads were presented to the right worshipful Mayor of Plymouth Mr Councillor Solomon Stephens J.P by the Chairman of the Land Committee Alderman Fredman JP 1^St April 1924.”. The pediment engraved with the civic coat of arms of Plymouth above the motto turris fortissima est nomen jehova. Oak backed easel support. Fully marked to the side.

Length – 22.9 cm / 9 inches

Stonehouse Toll (Halfpenny Bridge): Built in 1773, it was one of England’s longest-lasting toll bridges. From 1773 the approach to it was via Stonehouse Lane (later known as King Street) and High Street rather than through Union Street. In 1775 carriages first began to ply for hire between Plymouth and Plymouth Dock, using the new Bridge. In 1828 the bridge was raised and Devonport Hill lowered, which facilitated the use of hackney carriages to provide a public service between Plymouth and Devonport the following year. The Stonehouse Bridge Freeing Ceremony was photographed. An Act of Parliament allowed the Plymouth Town Council to acquire the three bridges in 1923.

Millbridge Toll: The original Mill Bridge was built in 1525 by Sir Piers Edgcumbe partly to hold a mill which operated by water flowing into and out of the creek. Passage across the bridge was free until in 1807 a toll-gate was erected. A legal battle ensued until an Act of Parliament confirmed the Earl of Mount Edgcumbe’s right to charge a toll there. Pedestrians crossed free of toll, the only such one in the Plymouth area.

Embankment Roads: In the early 1800s, the Embankment provided a new level toll-road to Plymouth from Ivybridge, Plympton and Crabtree - avoiding Lipson Hill. The rails of the Plymouth and Dartmoor Railway and Brunel's South Devon Railway followed, serving Coxside and Laira Wharf.