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Archaeology - Talks - Walks - Cultural heritage Vernacular buildings - Historic documents
UWHG Bridge Markers Project
Project Outline
This project aims to document the historical aspects of all the bridges on major routes within Upper Wharfedale, including bridges on tributary rivers and streams. This history will incorporate the study of local documentation, recording and analysis of documents in libraries and archives within the West Riding and, probably, North Yorkshire. The project will also include the identification of bridges that retain bridge markers, which were used to identify those bridges where repairs were paid for by the West Riding or other public bodies.
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History of Bridges in Upper Wharfedale
The majority of the research has been completed, using archive resources, existing local history studies, antiquarian books etc. Each bridge in Upper Wharfedale has been visited at least once and some many times. Studies of county and country transport and bridge construction have been assessed to determine the relevance to Upper Wharfedale.
The preliminary draft of the report is in the process of being written. It will be revised and reviewed a number of times before publication
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Chris Lunnon. February 2025
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​Additional information
More on the history of bridges in Upper Wharfedale
More on Identification of Bridge Markers
The bridge list with latest information
Measurements of stone cross bridge markers
Pictures of stone cross bridge markers
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Identification of Bridge Markers
We believe that all of the bridge markers in Upper Wharfedale have been identified, some of which are newly discovered and some re-discovered. By linking the presence and location of bridge markers to their recorded history it has been possible to propose dates, or at least periods, when they were erected.
One new stone cross marker, and one already known, have been identified outside Upper Wharfedale, otherwise, this style of marker appears to be unique to the confines of this project.
How you can still get involved
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If you are walking or cycling across bridges close to, but not within, Upper Wharfedale, please look out for any stone or cast iron bridge markers and let us know where they are. Please take a photo if you can. We will put the pictures in this website.
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Do you have any stories or information related to the history of Upper Wharfedale Bridges? We may already know about it, but we may not! We will keep an updated list of information you supply on this website.​
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​Bridge Marker at Kettlewell Bridge