Bill joined WBA in 1978 following a chance meeting with the late John Holley, who was on the Committee at that time, and continued as our Historical and Legal Advisor up until he retired from the role in November 2025 for health reasons.

 

In the complex and often contentious world of Rights of Way, few names carry as much respect as Bill Riley.

A dedicated researcher and access advocate based in Bradford-on-Avon, Bill has spent over fifty years navigating the dusty archives of local history to ensure ‘lost’ paths are returned to the public record. His work serves as a masterclass in the use of historical evidence to protect the public’s right to roam.

 

One of Bill’s most significant contributions to the field is his championing of the Inland Revenue 1910 Finance Act Maps. Often called the Domesday Book of the 20th Century, these maps were created to facilitate a land tax. Because Public Rights of Way reduced the value of a piece of land, landowners were motivated to declare them to receive tax deductions.

 

Bill began using these maps as early as 1979, long before they became a standard tool for rights-of-way campaigners. Recognising that these vital documents were deteriorating, Bill spearheaded a fundraising campaign and raised over £17,000 for their conservation. His efforts ensured that the Wiltshire Records Office could preserve these maps for future generations of researchers.

 

Bill submitted over 100 Definitive Map Modification Orders on his own behalf over the years and provided evidence for approximately another 100 for people and organisations who wanted a path upgrade but did not want to submit their own application. He also submitted applications on behalf of Wiltshire Bridleways Association and represented WBA at many Public Enquiries. His applications often sought to upgrade footpaths to bridleways or BOATS based on the historical evidence that higher rights (such as horse or vehicular access) once existed. These have created many more miles of Public Rights of Way in Wiltshire for us all to use.

 

A notable example of his work involves his 2004 application regarding Footpath 11 in North Tidworth, Oxford Road. Bill argued through a meticulous analysis of over sixty historical documents that the path should be recorded as a byway. While such cases often met resistance from local authorities and landowners, Bill’s evidence-based approach has set a high bar for legal rigour in access claims.

 

The context of Bill’s work became increasingly urgent when the 2026 cut-off date established by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 was announced. Although this date has now been put back until 2031, this deadline means that any pre-1949 rights of way not recorded on the Definitive Map by that date would be legally extinguished. Bill’s life's work has essentially been a race against the clock, ensuring that historical public paths are not lost to the ‘limbo’ of unrecorded history.

 

Bill is more than just a researcher; he is a bridge between the legal technicalities of the Highways Act and the practical reality of the English countryside. His work has influenced:

 

• The Open Spaces Society - where he has been a prominent member and campaigner;

• Local Councils - by providing ‘cogent information’ required to make informed decisions on path status;

• Other voluntary groups, including GLASS, TRF and WBA - many of which have adopted his methodology of combining Tithe Maps, Inclosure Awards and Finance Act records to build their cases.

 

For all those who enjoy the Public Rights of Way in Wiltshire and beyond, the ability to walk, ride or cycle along a well-marked, legally protected path is often the direct result of Bill Riley's quiet and persistent research.

 

Throughout this entire time, he was assisted and supported by his wife, Anne. Along with Bill, Anne also attended the WBA AGMs and monthly Committee meetings for many years. In 1998, Bill and Anne were jointly presented with the Bradford-on-Avon Town Achievement Trophy by the mayor in recognition of their services to Rights of Way and the Town Council.

 

To say Bill is irreplaceable is really accurate in this case. His knowledge of Rights of Way law and his ability to research historical records are not something any current WBA Committee member could match, and we will all be forever grateful to Bill and Anne for their devotion to the cause.

 

He will be sorely missed from our committee.