Ferry Bridge

Ferry Bridge is a historic stone bridge over the River Aire at Ferrybridge in West Yorkshire, England. It links Ferrybridge with Brotherton and is protected as a Grade I listed structure, the highest category in England. It suits anyone interested in the history of roads, bridges and old travel routes.

What is Ferry Bridge?

The present bridge was built between 1797 and 1804. It was designed by John Carr, one of the best-known architects of northern England in his day, and built by Bernard Hartley. The structure is made of stone and spans the Aire. Until 1810 travellers had to pay a toll to cross, so for its first years the bridge also worked as a gate on a busy route.

Why is there a bridge here?

Crossing the Aire at this spot has a long history. A bridge may have stood here in Anglo-Saxon times. What is certain is that a crossing existed by the late 12th century, and it collapsed in 1228, killing a group of Crusaders who were using it. A replacement followed around 1290, and in 1461, during the Wars of the Roses, Lancastrian troops partly destroyed it.

All of this shows that this stretch of river was for centuries a place travellers had to pass through when heading north or south.

The Great North Road

The area gained importance when the crossing became part of the Great North Road, the main route between London and the north. In the early Georgian period, coaching inns were established on both banks to serve travellers and stagecoaches. Today Ferrybridge is a village of around 1,500 people, roughly 21 km south-east of Leeds.

Getting there

Ferrybridge lies in the metropolitan district of Wakefield, about 21 km from Leeds and 257 km north of London. The bridge pairs easily with a walk along the River Aire and a look at the surrounding buildings linked to the old coaching road.

Frequently asked questions

Who designed Ferry Bridge? John Carr designed it, and Bernard Hartley built it between 1797 and 1804.

What protected status does it have? It is a Grade I listed building, the highest level of protection in England.

Do you have to pay to cross? No. A toll was charged only until 1810.

Is it the only bridge with this name? No. Bridges called Ferry Bridge also exist at Burton in Staffordshire and in Dorset. This one is at Brotherton in Yorkshire.

Did the earlier bridges survive? No. The medieval crossings collapsed or were damaged, and the present structure dates from the turn of the 19th century.