Thomas Codrington (1829–1918) was born at Wroughton, Wiltshire. After leaving college he followed a career as a civil engineer becoming a member of the Institute of Civil Engineers and a Fellow of the Geographical Society. He rose to become general superintendent for county roads in South Wales. Between 1880 and 1900, using his technical skills, and travelling in a horse-drawn dog cart he undertook a detailed study of the surviving remains of the key Roman Roads in Britain.