Tag Archives: road-builder

Yorkshire’s Legendary “Blind Jack” Metcalf, Extraordinary Road Builder

Posted on June 9, 2017 by Regina Jeffers

What do you know of  Yorkshire’s legendary hero, “Blind Jack (John Metcalf)”? JOHN METCALF was born at Knaresborough, on the 15 August, 1717 in a thatched cottage opposite Knaresborough Castle. Metcalf was considered a a pioneer in road construction. Between … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, history, Living in the UK | Tagged , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Regency Celebrity: John Loudon McAdam, Bringing Progress Through Road Improvements: Macadamisation

Posted on January 21, 2014 by Regina Jeffers

John Loudon McAdam (21 September 1756 – 26 November 1836) was a Scottish engineer and road-builder. He invented a new process, “macadamisation,” for building roads with a smooth hard surface that would be more durable and less muddy than soil-based … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, buildings and structures, Great Britain, Living in the Regency, real life tales, Regency era, Regency personalities, Scotland | Tagged , , , , , , | 7 Comments