Description and History of Site:-
Erected in 1816 to provide access across River Calder to Messrs Thos Fearnside's Mearclough Bottom Mill, this is the earliest cast iron bridge in West Yorkshire still in existence. The bridge which comprises of four ribs at three foot centres, spans the River Calder in a single arch of 92ft (28.04m) with a rise of 9.2ft (2.8m). The iron work for the bridge was cast at Shelf Iron Works by Aydon and Elwell. Much of the original bridge structure is now obscured by strengthening works undertaken in the 1920's. The bridge plaque is now on display in the Halifax Industrial Museum.

An elaborate system of handrails on the timber deck restricts the width and ensures that vehicles do not try to use it.

Note:- in some publications this bridge is also incorrectly referred to as Mearclough Bridge. Mearclough Bridge is further west at SE 07003 23722

Further Reading and References:-
Some Works …. At Sowerby Bridge in Recent Years, Journal of the Institution of Municipal and County Engineers Vol 57, 1930-31 pp 1159-1176
Thompson W J Ed, A Brief Guide to the Industrial Heritage of West Yorkshire, AIA, 1989
Cossons N & Trinder B, The Iron Bridge, 2nd Ed, 2002
https://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=3126&resourceID=105

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Key Words :- single arch cast iron road bridge pipe bridge

Viewing the Site :- Bridge carries a public footpath across the River Calder

Address :- Gas Works Rd, Pye Nest, Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire, HX6 3LF
Grid Ref :- SE 06707 23671
Co-ordinates :- Lat 53.709421 , Long -1.899868
Local Authority :- Calderdale Council
Pre 1974 County :- Yorkshire - West Riding
Site Status :- Listed - Grade II*
Historic England List No - 1184757,
Site Condition :- Operational site, in use for original purpose
Site Dates :- 1816 - Current
Record Date :- 21 March 2016

Copyright :- cc-by-nc-sa 4.0 © John Suter