IT is hard to realise that this placid and beautiful image represents the forerunner of the present busy ferro-concrete bridge over the River Aire at Stockbridge.
Built originally in 1671 and widened in 1754, this carried “a great and common high road leading between Lancashire and Yorkshire”, but was not inappropriate for a still-rural Riddlesden, which whilst being developed between the wars was known for its sunny weather, rich gardens and orchards bursting with apples, pears and plums!
A temporary wooden bridge took the traffic between 1928 and 1930, when the present bridge opened.
The same Riddlesden bus which had been first across the wooden bridge was given the honour of being first over the new bridge.
During the bridge replacement the opportunity was taken to straighten a double bend in the road.
Sadly the ivy-covered house on the left became a casualty of progress.
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