The A38, one of England's longest roads, is the subject of a new book that traces its history from ancient salt trading to the Industrial Revolution. Written by journalist Rick Thompson, The Great Thirty-Eight follows the route for nearly 300 miles from Nottinghamshire to Cornwall, exploring its impact on towns, cities and industries.
The book was released on Thursday, October 22, and is published by Grosvenor House Publishing. It will be available from leading bookshops and online retailers from that date, priced at £12.
Ancient origins and the Droitwich saltway
The A38 dates back to the Bronze Age, serving as an important trading route long before the Romans paved sections of it as Icknield Street. It also functioned as a major 'saltway', transporting salt from the salt pans of Droitwich to other parts of the country.
Mr Thompson said: "The A38 that we tend to take for granted as we drive through the Midlands and the West Country dates from well before the Romans paved a long section they called Icknield Street, and it was an important 'saltway' from the salt pans of Droitwich."
Industrial growth and trade connections
Before railways and motorways, roads such as the A38 were vital transport links, helping businesses move goods between manufacturing centres and ports. The route played a key role in the growth of Birmingham and the Black Country during the Industrial Revolution.
It also connected the ports of Gloucester, Bristol and Plymouth, enabling goods including woollen cloth and manufactured products to reach international markets. The book examines how settlements developed around river crossings and important trading routes.
Food origins and natural heritage
The book explores the origins of famous British foods associated with places along the route, including Worcestershire Sauce, Tewkesbury mustard, Branston Pickle and Cheddar cheese.
Alongside its industrial history, Mr Thompson examines the changing landscapes and wildlife found along the road. Nature reserves, including former Roman quarry sites, provide habitats for threatened species such as bitterns and dormice.
Mr Thompson said: "The Great Thirty-Eight is like a slice through England, revealing our history and celebrating our landscapes and wildlife, with plenty of stories of the remarkable people who have shaped our country."
The book offers a comprehensive look at how this ancient road influenced settlement patterns, trade, and industry across the Midlands and the West Country.
