Ferry Bridge, Brotherton

There may have been a bridge over the River Aire at this location in the Anglo-Saxon period, which has been supposed to have been destroyed in 1070.

[1] The first bridge known definitely to have existed was built in the late 12th century,[2] but it collapsed in 1228, killing a group of Crusaders who were crossing.

[3] That year, pontage was granted, a toll for crossing the bridge, to fund repairs.

This route became part of the Great North Road in the early Georgian period, with coaching inns established on each riverbank.

[5][6] The bridge was damaged by storms in 1795, and in 1797 John Carr of York designed a replacement, on a new alignment.