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Lendal Bridge, York
Lendal Bridge, nestled in the heart of York, holds a rich history and significance within the city's landscape. Situated at the point where the city walls part for the River Ouse, it replaces a former rope ferry, once frequented by notable figures such as Florence Nightingale during her travels to Castle Howard in 1852.
Designed by the esteemed civil engineer Thomas Page, whose portfolio also includes London's iconic Westminster Bridge, Lendal Bridge stands as a testament to Victorian engineering prowess. Crafted from cast iron, its single span stretches an impressive 175 feet (53 meters), connecting the medieval towers of Lendal Tower on the east bank and Barker Tower on the west bank.
The bridge's history is not without its challenges, as the initial attempt by William Dredge in 1860 tragically ended in collapse, claiming the lives of five workers. However, Parliament granted permission for a new bridge, leading to Page's Gothic Revival masterpiece, unveiled in 1863. Together with the tollhouses flanking its sides, Lendal Bridge holds the distinction of being a Grade II listed building, a nod to its architectural significance.
Beyond its structural marvel, Lendal Bridge serves as a vital artery within York's urban landscape, linking Station Road with Museum Street, and connecting York railway station with the majestic York Minster. Additionally, it forms part of York's Inner Ring Road, facilitating the flow of traffic through the city.
Despite its challenges and transformations over the years, Lendal Bridge stands as a timeless emblem of York's history, engineering ingenuity, and cultural heritage, weaving together the past and present of this enchanting city.
Designed by the esteemed civil engineer Thomas Page, whose portfolio also includes London's iconic Westminster Bridge, Lendal Bridge stands as a testament to Victorian engineering prowess. Crafted from cast iron, its single span stretches an impressive 175 feet (53 meters), connecting the medieval towers of Lendal Tower on the east bank and Barker Tower on the west bank.
The bridge's history is not without its challenges, as the initial attempt by William Dredge in 1860 tragically ended in collapse, claiming the lives of five workers. However, Parliament granted permission for a new bridge, leading to Page's Gothic Revival masterpiece, unveiled in 1863. Together with the tollhouses flanking its sides, Lendal Bridge holds the distinction of being a Grade II listed building, a nod to its architectural significance.
Beyond its structural marvel, Lendal Bridge serves as a vital artery within York's urban landscape, linking Station Road with Museum Street, and connecting York railway station with the majestic York Minster. Additionally, it forms part of York's Inner Ring Road, facilitating the flow of traffic through the city.
Despite its challenges and transformations over the years, Lendal Bridge stands as a timeless emblem of York's history, engineering ingenuity, and cultural heritage, weaving together the past and present of this enchanting city.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in York. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Lendal Bridge on Map
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Sight Name: Lendal Bridge
Sight Location: York, England (See walking tours in York)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: York, England (See walking tours in York)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in York, England
Create Your Own Walk in York
Creating your own self-guided walk in York is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
York Introduction Walking Tour
Established by the ancient Romans in 71 AD, the city of York breathes history. It first appeared as a walled settlement when the Ninth Legion of Rome conquered the local tribe known as the Brigantes. The town became the capital of the Roman province of Britannia Inferior, and later of the kingdoms of Deira, Northumbria and Jórvík, emerging as a major river port and part of the extensive trading... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
York's Old Town
A vibrant city with Roman roots and a Viking past, York has played a central role throughout much of England‘s history. Despite its small size, Old Town York boasts a wealth of colorful heritage that draws tourists in droves from all over the world.
The maze of historic streets – too narrow for vehicles, and therefore solely pedestrian – are packed with attractions fairly close to one... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
The maze of historic streets – too narrow for vehicles, and therefore solely pedestrian – are packed with attractions fairly close to one... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
York City Wall Tour
Known variously as the York City Walls, Bar Walls, or the Roman Walls (although very little of the extant stonework has remained since Roman times) are the historic monument encircling the Old Town of York.
The surviving portion of the town wall – 3.4km (2 miles) – is longer than anywhere else in England. Built mostly in the 13th century (of magnesian limestone, and set upon earthen... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
The surviving portion of the town wall – 3.4km (2 miles) – is longer than anywhere else in England. Built mostly in the 13th century (of magnesian limestone, and set upon earthen... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
York's Historical Architecture
Being home to some of the best preserved historic architecture in England, York screams history and is undoubtedly the must-go destination for anyone keen on the country’s past. While the more recent history has also characterized York, it is the abundance of the ancient sites retained in their variety – from Medieval times to the Georgian and Victorian eras, and more – that makes the city... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
York's Historical Pubs Tour
Yorkshire is a haven for real ale enthusiasts and York does live up to this reputation. Many of local pubs are as old as churches, having served their clients for centuries.
There's a plethora of historic pubs in the heart of York, offering an array of quality cask ales alongside a menu of hearty British food, served in a cozy, traditional atmosphere. Low ceilings, wonky floors and open... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
There's a plethora of historic pubs in the heart of York, offering an array of quality cask ales alongside a menu of hearty British food, served in a cozy, traditional atmosphere. Low ceilings, wonky floors and open... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles