Walbut Bridge - Thornton, UK - Arch Bridges on Waymarking.com

The Canal
"The Pocklington Canal runs for 9.5 miles between East Cottingwith and Canal Head at Pocklington. The Pocklington Canal Amenity Society have restored the section from the River Derwent to the Melbourne Arm back to navigation, approximately half the length of the canal. Together with the Amenity Society, we're currently working to extend the navigation to Bielby Arm, which will increase the navigable section by around two miles.

The majority of the canal is designated as SSSI for its wildlife value, with the lower reaches lying within the Lower Derwent Valley National Nature Reserve. The towpath that runs along the canal is a great place for spotting the brilliant blue flash of a kingfisher or dragonflies darting above the reeds.

The canal architecture also adds interest to the scenery, with distinctive swing bridges, classic hump-backed bridges and restored and unrestored locks.

The Pocklington Canal history

The canal was one of the last to be built, and was promoted by prosperous local farmers who sought more effective means of transporting their goods to the fast-growing towns of West Yorkshire. Its Act was passed in 1815, and it opened three years later.

The Pocklington is one of the few canals in Britain that were completed for less than the original estimated cost, costing only £32,695. Coal, lime, fertiliser and industrial goods were carried to Pocklington, and agricultural produce was sent out to the West Riding.

It was taken over by the York & North Midlands Railway in 1848, after just thirty years of operation. During the middle part of the last century the canal fell into disuse and became unnavigable. Despite plans in the 1950s to turn it into a dumping ground for chalk sludge, the canal survived, thanks to an active restoration group." link

The bridge
The bridge, which stands close to Walbut Lock, is a Historic England Grade II listed building.
"Road bridge over canal. Early C19. Red brick in English bond, gritstone dressings. Basket arch flanked by half-round abutments under gritstone copings. Band at bridge deck level, coped and splayed parapets terminating in square abutments. Scheduled Ancient Monument." link

There is an information board on the tow path with the following information.

Where are you now?

Walbut Bridge is one of four road bridges over Pocklington Canal. The canal was built by businessmen between 1815 and 1818. It runs for 9.5 miles between Canal Head and East Cottingworth.

What was here?
There was a public wharf on the south side. Coal, lime and manure were landed here. Canal boats took potatoes, carrots and timber from here to Hull and the West Riding of Yorkshire.

What can you see?
As you walk under the bridge look for the angled brickwork. Walbut Bridge is more decorative than a typical bridge on an inland waterway with elegantly curved and buttressed sides.

What type of traffic does this bridge support?: Motor vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists What kind of gap does this bridge cross?: The Pocklington Canal Date constructed: 1818 Is the bridge still in service for its original purpose?: Yes Name of road or trail the bridge services: Unnamed minor road Location: Thornton, Yorkshire Length of bridge: Not listed Height of bridge: Not listed

Visit Instructions:
Please submit a photo(s) taken by you of your visit to the location (non-copyrighted photos only). GPS photos are also accepted with the location in the background, and old vacation photos are accepted. If you are not able to provide a photo, then please describe your visit or give a story about the visit. If the bridge location prevents you from taking a safe photograph, then please do not stop to take the photo. Safety is more important.

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