Gowan Bridge, Staveley - Stone Bridges on Waymarking.com

The village is now bypassed by A591.
There is a wooden footbridge adjacent to this bridge as the carriageway is too narrow for some vehicles. The coping stones are frequently dislodged.
Gawen Bridge is referred to many times by court sessions to be repaired. Earliest mention is 1747.
" 1747/8 15 January. Presentment that Gawen Bridge is in decay and too narrow for the king's subjects to pass over with their carts and carriages without great danger. (K. Indict. Book, 1738–50). Order that the high constables do view and report the condition thereof. (K. Order Book, 1738–50). And on the following 22 April they were ordered to forthwith contract for the repairing of the said bridge. Ibid."
(visit link)

The original constructor may have been an unknown local who had been contracted to build the bridge on the site of an existing ford. Over the years the bridge would have been repaired, rarely replaced. Eventually adopted by the County Highways, along with 300 feet either side.

Co-ordinates taken near North East parapet.

Streetmap UK (visit link)
In December 2015 many bridges were damaged by Storm Desmond.

Physical Location (city, county, etc.): Staveley, Cumbria Road, Highway, Street, etc.: Main Street Water or other terrain spanned: River Gowan Architect/Builder: unknown local perhaps Construction Date: before 1748

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