Old Penwortham Bridge

This week’s picture is of the Old Penwortham Bridge which was originally built in 1759. Even today, the bridge retains the character of a bygone era with its distinctive cobblestones. The original lights were replaced in 2007 but the new ones retain the character and still provide a reminder of old Preston.

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The bridge itself has five arches spanning the River Ribble connecting Broadgate to Penwortham and at times it was operated as a toll bridge. When crossing the bridge I can’t help but wonder how many of my ancestors have made that same crossing over the Ribble.

The bridge isn’t the first bridge to stand on this site. The original bridge was constructed in 1755, but it didn’t last long – it collapsed in 1756. So even then they had cowboy builders!

At the centre of the bridge on the South side, the uppermost stone carries the date the bridge was built. And another ‘did you know?’ fact. The Old Penwortham Bridge became a Grade 2 Listed English Heritage Building in September 1979.

Photo: Nikon D700 with 16-35mm f4 lens; f8, 2.5 secs ISO400

Paul Melling [Paul Melling Photography]