> > Even in towns, I would suggest unpaved is the norm.
>
> Rather than paved, I would expect cobbled roads for the main thoroughfares in cities (and possibly
> market towns on important highways). Planned cities with canalisation are likely to have some
> reinforcement on the major roads, too.
Cobbles are just a form of paving. Their advantage is that they provide a good surface for horses to grip. I'm not so sure they would work as well with oxen which aren't shod. Their disadvange is that they are very uncomfortable for wheeled vehicles. They are also very sturdy and long lasting. There's a canal towpath I know where the 19th century cobbles are still rock solid whereas the modern paving in other parts is breaking up after a decade or so. Once built cobbled roads don't require much maintenance.
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Donald Oddy
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