Devil's Bridge, Kirkby Lonsdale

Devil's Bridge was once the main road crossing over the River Lune but has been closed to traffic since 1932. It is thought to date from 1370 and was built by the monks of St. Mary's Abbey, York. The bridge used to be popular for tombstoning, with the deep pools underneath the main arch allowing people to jump without much threat of injury. This was outlawed a few years ago, but the bridge is still popular in the summer months as a destination for bikers riding up through the Yorkshire Dales. It was replaced as the main crossing over the river by the nearby Stanley Bridge. The bridge is Grade I listed.

 

Legend says that the Devil built the bridge in exchange for the first soul to cross after completion. A woman threw bread across for her dog to chase, so that the devil felt tricked as the dog was the first soul to cross the completed bridge.

 

The pictures were taken on April 4, 2015, using a Polaroid IS2132 bridge camera. They have previously been posted but the ones below were reworked recently for my Zazzle Store and Photo4Me wall art portfolio. They can also be seen on my Clickasnap account via the link in the side panel.

Clicking the image will open a link in another window to my Kirkby Lonsdale collection on Zazzle, the image can be transferred to a number of different products to the ones already offered, including wall art, furnishings, cups, watches, clocks, phone and tablet cases. Please take a moment to have a look.

Clicking this image above and below should open a link in another window to the Photo4Me listing for each picture..

All 4 images can be purchased on various products of your choosing from my Zazzle store, the middle 2 images can also be purchased as wall art from Photo4me.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Please take a moment to check out my stores on Zazzle, Photo4me and Clickasnap portfolio's.

 

Ruskin's View, Kirkby Lonsdale

 Ruskin's View is a set of 4 pictures inspired by JMW Turner's A Painting of a Cumbrian Landscape, or better known as Ruskin's View. I took my pictures from a similar position as the original artwork was painted, 2 looking in the same direction, and another couple looking south east from the vantage point.

The picture became known more commonly as Ruskin's View in the late 19th century when art critic, social theorist, painter and poet made the following 2 descriptions of the view of the Lune Valley,

"I do not know in all my country, still less France or Italy, a place more Naturally divine"

and in 1875,

"one of the loveliest views in England, therefore in the world"

The picture by Turner showed the Lune Valley and Underley Hall northwards away from the churchyard of St Mary's. It was sold for over £200,000 in 2012, as i'll never have that kind of money for a painting I thought i'd do the next best thing and visit and photograph the scene. This is under threat now as the local town council tries to raise £1million to help repair the banking that supports the footpath and area known as Ruskin's View. The banking was severely damaged in 2015 by Storm Desmond and bad weather since has forced it's closure until the work can be undertaken. Hopefully it's not lost for good.

The pictures were taken on the 4th April 2015 with a Polaroid is2132 Camera.

The 2 pictures above show the Lune Valley in a south eastern direction.

The picture above and below show the valley in the same direction and from a similar position as Turner's painting.

Clicking any image should open a link in another window to the un-watermarked, higher resolution version on Clickasnap.

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Radical Steps, Kirkby Lonsdale.

 The Radical Steps at Kirkby Lonsdale are a set of stairs down from the area known as Ruskin's View, Nr St Mary's Churchyard to the banks of the River Lune. The steps are over 200 years old, they were built for Dr Francis Pearson in 1820 to divert a public footpath away from his land. He was said to be radical in his political thoughts, and because of this and local opposition to the reroute the steps became known as The Radical Steps.

The steps are quite steep and uneven in places, there are about 86 to navigate and are not suitable for disabled person's or people with walking difficulties.

The 4 pictures below were taken on the 4th April 2015 with a Polaroid is2132.

The wall that runs the length of the stairs means that quite often the steps can be damp and slippery even on dry days, the wall blocking sunlight and wind from drying the steps.

The River Lune is seen running along the bottom of the picture, the steps leading down to a path the runs alongside the river towards Devil's Bridge.

Clicking any image should open a link in another window to the un-watermarked, higher resolution version on Clickasnap.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Stanley Bridge, Kirkby Lonsdale 4 April 2015

 Stanley Bridge was built in the early 1930's to carry the A65 road across the River Lune. It replaced Devil's Bridge which is now a pedestrian crossing a few hundred metres to the north.

The bridge was built by Westmorland County Council as part of a much larger bypass scheme and has a span of 109ft 11in (33.5m) at it's maximum across the River Lune, over 60 men worked on the construction and it cost over £20000, approx £1.5 million at 2022 rates. The bridge was opened on the 3 December 1932 by the Rt. Hon. Oliver Stanley, Minister for Home Affairs.

There are a total of 4 pictures of Stanley Bridge taken using a Polaroid is2132 bridge camera. They can be seen below or on Clickasnap where they are full size, resolution and un-watermarked.

Devil's Bridge can be seen beyond the archway.

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All images are the copyright of Colin Green.

Whispers of the Devil: Unravelling the History and Legends of Devil's Bridge, Kirkby Lonsdale.

Nestled amidst the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Dales, where the River Lune carves its path through the verdant landscape, stands a relic of centuries past: Devil's Bridge. This ancient stone structure, a Grade I listed monument, whispers tales of monks, daredevils, and, of course, the Devil himself. Once a vital artery of transportation, it now stands as a picturesque testament to a bygone era, drawing visitors with its haunting beauty and captivating legends.

A Bridge Forged in Time:

Devil's Bridge, believed to have been constructed around 1370, predates many of the surrounding settlements. Historical records suggest that the monks of St Mary's Abbey, York, were responsible for its creation. This strategic crossing provided a vital link across the River Lune, facilitating trade and travel in a region where travel was often challenging. Its rugged stone arches, weathered by the relentless passage of time, speak of the craftsmanship and endurance of medieval builders.

However, its role as the primary crossing was eventually superseded by the construction of the nearby Stanley Bridge in 1932, a more modern and robust structure better suited to the increasing volume of traffic. The transition relegated Devil's Bridge to pedestrian and recreational use, preserving its historical integrity but altering its purpose.

Daredevil's Delight, Legend's Lore:

For generations, Devil's Bridge became synonymous with a thrill-seeking activity known as tombstoning. The deep pools beneath the central arch, carved out by the river's relentless flow, provided a seemingly safe landing for those daring enough to leap from the bridge's heights. This adrenaline-fueled pastime, however, came to an end a few years ago when it was outlawed due to safety concerns.

Yet, despite the ban on tombstoning, the bridge retains its allure, particularly during the summer months. It remains a popular destination for motorcyclists navigating the winding roads of the Yorkshire Dales, offering a scenic pit stop and a chance to soak in the area's natural beauty.

The Devil's Bargain:

But it is the bridge's legend that truly captures the imagination. The story goes that the Devil himself constructed the bridge, offering his services in exchange for the first soul to cross it upon completion. Local lore recounts how a clever woman outwitted the Devil by throwing a piece of bread across the bridge, prompting her dog to chase after it. Thus, the dog became the first "soul" to cross, leaving the Devil frustrated and cheated of his prize.

This tale, echoing similar legends found across Europe, adds a layer of mystique to the bridge, transforming it from a simple stone structure into a gateway to the supernatural. The legend serves as a reminder of the enduring power of folklore and the way in which stories can shape our understanding of places.

A Legacy Preserved:

Today, Devil's Bridge stands as a testament to the rich history and enduring legends of the Yorkshire Dales. Its Grade I listed status ensures its preservation for future generations, allowing visitors to experience a tangible link to the past. As we gaze upon its weathered stones and listen to the gentle murmur of the River Lune, we are reminded of the monks, the daredevils, and the Devil himself – all of whom have left their mark on this remarkable bridge. A place where history, legend, and natural beauty intertwine, Devil's Bridge continues to captivate and inspire, offering a glimpse into the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.

The pictures were taken on the 4th April 2015 using a Polaroid is2132 bridge camera. Clicking any image should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

Thanks for looking and please take a moment to share and follow me on social media, and check out my portfolio on Photo4Me via the link below.

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.