Wynch Bridge

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Wynch Bridge
County Durham, Yorkshire
Wynch Bridge - geograph.org.uk - 2109686.jpg
The Wynch Bridge
Location
Type: Suspension bridge
Carrying: Footpath
Crossing: River Tees
Location
Grid reference: NY90392790
Location: 54°38’46"N, 2°9’2"W
Structure
Type: Suspension bridge
History
Built 1830
Information

The Wynch Bridge (or Winch Bridge) is a suspension footbridge spanning the gorge of the River Tees between County Durham on the north bank and the North Riding of Yorkshire on the south. It crosses high above the river near Low Force, amongst the woods.

The bridge was built in 1830, for the Holwick lead miners who used it to get to the lead mine at Little Eggleshope in the fells to the north.

The original bridge was suspended on hand-forged wrought iron chains, and reportedly had only a single handrail on one side as support. Built in the mid-18th century it collapsed in 1802 when a chain broke and a man was drowned. The repaired bridge was replaced in 1830 with another suspension bridge, financed by the Duke of Cleveland, its maintenance paid for by the miners' subscriptions. The bridge was strengthened in 1992

The Winch Bridge is a Grade II listed structure.[1]

The bridge today is busy today in season amongst visitors to Low Force and High Force.

The Pennine Way passes on the south side.

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References

  1. National Heritage List 1121562: Wynch Bridge (Grade II listing)


Bridges and crossings on the River Tees
Birkdale Footbridge Cronkley Bridge Holwick Head Footbridge Wynch Bridge Scoberry Footbridge Middleton Bridge Beckstones Wath Footbridge