Road Tax

The keepers of Sherwood Forest had many privileges that came with the job.

One of those was the right to charge a tax called cheminage. 

This was a toll for passage through the forest that went straight into the pockets of the keepers.

This tax applied specifically to people taking carts through the forest.

It did not apply to produce or possessions being carried on foot.

The 1609 crown Survey map of Sherwood Forest by William Bankes depicts a number of 'Packmans ways' criss-crossing the forest.

Did people make journeys on foot to avoid this tax?