Yorkshire Post

Packhorse bridge is a sign of historic trade routes

- Picture: Bruce Rollinson Words: Laura Reid

THIS PICTURESQU­E bridge over the River Washburn offers a glimpse back to a bygone era.

A packhorse bridge, it is narrow in width, intended to carry horses loaded with panniers across the water.

Packhorse bridges were often built on trade routes to allow goods to be transporte­d between towns and villages of the UK, ahead of the developmen­t of turnpike roads and canals.

This Grade II-Listed example, north of Otley, is said to date from 1767, though its Historic England listing suggests it may well have been constructe­d earlier, in the 17th century, with repairs in the 1700s.

According to the Washburn Heritage Centre, dedicated to celebratin­g the history of the Washburn Valley, the river has powered milling through the ages and leats, goits and waterholdi­ng dams provide evidence of corn, fulling, cotton and flax mills.

Though the Westhouse Mill at Blubberhou­ses was historical­ly significan­t – said to be one of the first in England to use an apprentice system for its work force – this packhorse bridge carried the routeway from Dob Park Mill across the river to Norwood and Fewston.

The first crossing of the river at this point was a paved ford, still visible, which formed part of a medieval monastic trade route between Otley and Nidderdale.

A track descended to the ford and was used by many farmers for horses, carts and tractors, including to get to Otley Market.

It is thought the present bridge, known as Dob Park Bridge, was built after an earlier structure was swept away in a flood.

Today, the Washburn Valley, which forms part of the Nidderdale Area of Outstandin­g Natural Beauty is known for its four reservoirs, created to supply clean water to the growing city of Leeds in the late 19th century.

As such, its landscape of tranquilli­ty, with woodland, moorland and flat valley tracks, makes it a popular destinatio­n for walkers, wildlife watchers and cyclists, as well as anglers and canoeists. And, as this bridge suggests, it’s packed with history too.

Technical details: Nikon D4, 17-35mm Nikkor, 1 sec @f16.

 ??  ??

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom