Industrial History Online

Industrial History Online

Stamford Bridge Derwent Bridge

Description and History of Site:-
This bridge which carries the A166 between York and Driffield across the River Derwent was built by William Etty (senior) or York in 1723. A stone bridge of three arches, 28 ft., 59 ft. and 18 ft. in span, it has a total length of 120 ft. with a 13 ft. 5 in. carriageway but no footpaths. The bridge has been much repaired and in the late 17th c was modified to accommodate the Derwent Canal. Probably on the site of an ancient Roman bridge. Probably on the site of an ancient Roman bridge. A bridging site has existed on or near this site since at least 1066 when it is referred to in the epic poem about the Battle of Stamford Bridge, when King Harold fulfilled his promise to Harald Hardrada, King of Norway, to give him " seven foot of English earth." The account of the battle in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle states that " there was one of the Norwegians who withstood the English folk so that they could not pass over the bridge nor complete the victory. An Englishman aimed at him with a javelin but it availed nothing. Then came another under the bridge, who pierced him terribly inwards under the coat of mail. And Harold, King of the English, then came over the bridge followed by his army, and there they made a great slaughter both of the Norwegians and of the Flemings." For centuries the bridge was locally known as Battle Bridge, or Pons Belli, while the name "Battle Flats" has stuck to a neighbouring meadow.


Further Reading and References:-
YAHS - Hatcher Card Index. Research funded by the Yorkshire Arts Association 1972.
Hatcher, J. The Industrial Architecture of Yorkshire. Phillimore, 1985.


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Key Words :- road bridge river

Viewing the Site :- Can be viewed from the public road or footpath

Address :- A166, Stamford Bridge, York, East Yorkshire, YO41 1AN
Grid Ref :- SE 71146 55578
Co-ordinates :- Lat 53.991356 , Long -0.916349
Local Authority :- East Riding of Yorkshire Council
Pre 1974 County :- Yorkshire - East Riding
Site Status :- Listed - Grade II
Historic England List No - 1346426,
Site Condition :- Operational site, in use for original purpose
Site Dates :- 1723 - current
Record Date :- 5 June 2015

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