Waywarden

[daleaway]

Can anyone flesh out for me the duties of a waywarden in 18th century rural Dorset?


I know it was a person responsible for seeing the roads were clear and maintained, but was this a part time position? (My waywarden relative seems to have had another job as well.) Was it reimbursed? What responsibilities did it carry and what authority did the waywarden have?

Thanks for any light you can shed...


Daleaway

[busyglen]

You can find an explanation of this occupation here:

http://www.genuki.org.uk/big/eng/YKS/Misc/Glossary/Q-Z.html

I have also seen it shown as Waywarden and Overseer, which sounds as if it was the same sort of job, but as Overseer you handled others rather than doing the job yourself.

Hope that helps.

Glenys

[daleaway]

Thank you Glenys.

I guess I'll have to go on wondering about the time and responsibilities aspect!

Daleaway