The Ward River has powered many water-mills in its time, the volume and flow of the river having been historically much stronger than we see in it today. Before the age of steam, wind and waterpower were the only sources of energy available. In 1847 there were 3 mills working from the Ward. This particular one operated well into the 1940s, many of our older residents remembering it’s nostalgic resonant grumbling and grinding sounds!

The bridge itself dates from 1875 and is made of cut limestone with very distinctive ‘saddleback’ coping. Next time you are down this way, look down into the river to see a string marking the historic levels of water here. Down on the left at riverside you will also see the typical entry-piers I’ve cleaned, placed here to allow access to the river for washing clothes or drawing water. These piers appear all along the Ward to allow safe access to a once powerful and dangerous stream.