Battyeford Hauling Bridge - Mirfield, UK
Posted by: 
dtrebilc
N 53° 41.028 W 001° 43.548
30U E 584153 N 5949095
This bridge connects the east bank of the River Calder with south bank of the Calder and Hebble Navigation.
Waymark Code: WMMAD1
Location: Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 08/21/2014
Views: 1
Although the River Calder was used by boats to transport goods it periodically suffered from low water levels making navigation difficult.
During the Industrial Revolution when the demand for the transportation of goods increased, parts of the river had weirs built to improve the flow of water. This technique requires a method for boats to by pass the weirs and a lock to be built. Channels were cut to by pass the weirs with locks at either end, known as a navigation.
Although there were some sail boats on the river most were horse drawn and this bridge allowed the horses to cross from the bank of the natural river to the man made navigation. The name of the bridge, Battyeford Hauling Bridge reflects the use of the bridge to allow the horses to haul the boats from the river to the navigation.
There was originally a small ferry boat on the River Aire at this point before the navigation was constructed. When the bridge first opened it replace the ferry and was a toll bridge and locals used it to cross the river as well as the horses.
What type of traffic does this bridge support?: Pedetrians and cyclists and originally horses.
What kind of gap does this bridge cross?:
River Calder
Is the bridge still in service for its original purpose?: yes (for pedestrians)
Name of road or trail the bridge services: Canal towpath
Location:
Mirfield, Yorkshire
Length of bridge: Not listed
Height of bridge: Not listed
Date constructed: Not listed
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