Love Lock or Eyesore?

In Amsterdam last year I noticed a number of bridges had so called 'love locks' attached. Whilst individually they might seem romantic collectively they looked like urban vandalism. I was sorry to see a bridge in York had started to acquire similar locks, ironically it is in the least romantic location I could think of in the city.

New Bridge

Built in 2011 this pedestrian and cycle bridge over the River Foss is York's newest bridge. I applaud the extra opportunity to cross the river, but really wish they had chosen a different design......

Ouse Bridge

The first Ouse Bridge was built by the Romans, then repaired by the Vikings. St William's Chapel stood on the bridge throughout the mediaeval period. By 1565 the bridge had a new central arch spanning 81 ft, and was described by Daniel Defoe as "...near 70 foot (21 m) in diameter; it is, without exception, the greatest in England, some say it's as large as the Rialto at Venice though I think not". I should like to have seen that.

The current version of Ouse Bridge is for foot and road traffic only and is without shops houses or chapels. Construction was started in 1810 and a toll was charged until 1829 to recoup the cost of building it.

Skeldergate bridge detail

Here is a closer look at Skeldergate Bridge, the parapet is decorated with ornate ironwork featuring trefoils, six-pointed stars and the white rose of York. It was built by Thomas Page who also designed and built another of York's bridges across the River Ouse, Lendal Bridge.

Skeldergate Bridge

In 1873 more than 800 people a day were using the Skeldergate ferry crossing to pass into and out of the city. The York (Skeldergate Bridge) Improvement Act was passed in 1875. The foundation stone was laid in 1878 and the completed bridge officially opened to pedestrians on 1 January 1881, with general traffic able to cross two months later. 

Skeldergate Bridge is an iron bridge with Gothic details. The north-easternmost span (on the right) was designed to open, allowing tall ships to reach the busy quaysides further upstream. The bridge was last opened in 1975 and the winding mechanism has now been removed.

Skeldergate Bridge was originally a toll bridge. The toll-house, which also housed the winding machinery, is now a cafe. The bridge was declared toll-free on 1 April 1914, and a regatta was held to celebrate the occasion.

The Rescuers

We could almost be in Venice, a beautifully sunny day in October and the Fire Service getting ready to go to work on the river.