The structure's 17 arches cross the River Trent flood plain between Swarkestone and Stanton-by-Bridge. It is still a significant route for travellers passing from Derby to Melbourne: believe it or not there is a regular bus service across it!
According to local legend the causeway is the work of two local sisters whose fiancés drowned while trying to cross the flood plain in high water. The horrified sisters saw the men swept away by the river and vowed that no-one else would suffer the same fate. They spent the rest of their lives building and maintaining the causeway and bridge and so were penniless when they died.
According to local legend the causeway is the work of two local sisters whose fiancés drowned while trying to cross the flood plain in high water. The horrified sisters saw the men swept away by the river and vowed that no-one else would suffer the same fate. They spent the rest of their lives building and maintaining the causeway and bridge and so were penniless when they died.
Listed Grade I and Scheduled Ancient Monument.
I used to go over that a lot at one time but didn't know that legend.
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard of this bridge before - what a sad legend goes with it. Itmust be one of the oldest bridges in the country - do you know how much of the original bridge and causeway survives? There must have been a lot of repairs and rebuilding over the centuries.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, of course, but it feels as if it's almost original when you cross it. It's worth a visit!
DeleteIt is a sad story but a wonderful bridge. I love going over it - we crossed it not so long ago on our way into South Derbyshire to do a bit of family history:)
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