Book excerpt: This book looks at an almost totally neglected aspect of medieval England and Wales. Starting from the basic concept of a 'road' in medieval times, it looks at how well the Roman roads had survived and then at the demand for roads. Who travelled? Why? What records of their travels did they leave? What archaeological evidence remains? Dr Hindle answers these questions and examines the unique cartographic evidence. About the author Dr Paul Hindle took early retirement in 2000; he was previously a Senior Lecturer in Geography. He is Honorary Secretary of Manchester Geographical Society. He has written widely on roads, maps and the Lake District.