Security measures can now be seen on one of the best-known landmarks in Brigg.
Metal barriers are at each end of the mains water pipe attached to the side of the early 19th century County Bridge - a grade two listed structure - while "Danger - Do Not Climb" appears on warning signs.
"Stay Safe - ignoring this warning risks lives," Anglian Water is telling passers-by.
The County Bridge was erected in 1828, replacing a much earlier structure.
The original and distinctive stone balustrades were subsequently removed after being badly affected by passing traffic on the A18, rather drab metal railings being installed instead.
North Lincolnshire Council subsequently replaced them with the present railings - much more in keeping with a conservation area.
The water main pipe on the side of the bridge was added a few years ago after the old one began to leak.
The bridge was afforded listed building status in 1976 when Humberside County Council was the local highway authority and Glanford Borough Council, based in Brigg, looked after planning matters.
The River Ancholme is deep enough near the County Bridge for a non-swimmer to drown if he/she fell in.
Centuries ago - prior to extensive drainage of the Ancholme valley and installation of Ferriby Sluice - the Ancholme was still tidal with no barrier between it and the the River Humber.
Much flooding resulted but during dry periods it was possible for people to ford the Ancholme near to where the White Hart pub now stands. Some would have taken livestock to and from the market.
Glanford is a name linked to that period in our town's long history.
Yes and no, Nige....I don't think the ancient fording point was near the present White Hart/County Bridge. It's too steep. A ford needs a shallow gradient bank. Methinks, a more suitably site was somewhere opposite Newland's Estate where their is a slightly raised ridge, which then turns is long the now Cary Lane....
ReplyDeleteIndeed, the actual fording route across the Ancholme Valley bog could have changed according to what marine and river flooding have dumped in the area.
ReplyDeleteFor example Humber storms frequently deposited sandbank in the river and river flooding left mud banks.
In 600BC a massive sandbank was dumped just North of Brigg and the valley around Brigg became a giant fresh-water lake.....the only dry part being the raised shale finger of the Market Place, part of Bridge St and Wrawby St