It is one of the earliest through arch bridges in the world and is considered to be the longest span aqueduct executed in cast iron.

[2] It is still in use today, though an additional wider concrete aqueduct was constructed alongside in 1981 and the bridge was then renovated.

Stanley Ferry is also the place where the Tom Pudding tub boats were loaded with coal from local collieries between 1863 and 1985 and transported down to Goole in long trains by canal.

The site is one of three historic fords crossing the River Calder near Wakefield.

Although the aqueduct channel is in the right position to act in tying the arch, it would have no strength in this direction.