Castleford Bridge - Castleford, UK - Stone Bridges on Waymarking.com

The river Aire was always a major barrier at this point, but close to here to the east the river Calder joins the Aire.

The Calder used to be a much wider river and was fordable. The ford was used by the Romans who created an army settlement which was called Lagentium (thought to mean 'The Place of the Swordsmen').

This later became the basis for the development of Castleford, hence the town's name.

Later development led to a weir being built in Medieval times to power water mills and the river Calder was also narrowed. The ford was no longer useable and a ferry service was started.

This bridge was erected in 1808 over the river Aire and it carries the main north, south road the A656. It's not known whether the bridge was built to replace the ferry.

There are two blue plaques at the southern end of the bridge.

CASTLEFORD CIVIC TRUST

Castleford
Bridge

This bridge was designed in 1805 by Bernard
Hartley surveyor of bridges for the West Riding,
and built in 1808 by his son Jesse who is famous for
building the Albert Dock complex in Liverpool.
The river crossing is close to the original Roman
ford which gives the town its name.

Funded by WMDC Neighbourhood Improvement Fund

CASTLEFORD CIVIC TRUST

Unveiled July 13th 2008
This plaque commemorates
the bi-centenary
of this bridge
1808-2008

CASTLEFORD HERITAGE TRUST

At the time the bridge was built the river formed the boundary between Castleford and Allerton and the road over it was call Tadcaster Road. There is a boundary marker in the middle of the bridge.

      TADCASTER RD

ALLERTON

CASTLEFORD

U.D.

Physical Location (city, county, etc.): Castleford, West Yorkshire Road, Highway, Street, etc.: Lock Lane (A656) Water or other terrain spanned: The River Aire Architect/Builder: Surveyed by Bernard Hartley, built by Jesse Hartley Construction Date: 1808

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