Cromwell's Bridge

[Ryewolf]

I often use Google maps to scout local locations to go to and take photographs, after all Lancashire is the best place in the whole world, this was one that I spotted yesterday while searching for somewhere new. It's an ancient pack horse bridge that crosses the River Hodder near Hurst Green, apparently named because Cromwell was thought to have taken his army over this bridge in the late 1640's on the way to the battle of Preston.

I also found out that TRR Tolkien regularly visited the area and stayed at what is now Stoneyhurst College, whilst his son was learning to become a priest and wrote several drafts of LOTR whilst here. The River Hodder is thought to have been the the inspiration for the Brandywine River and this bridge the inspiration for the Brandywine Bridge. There also used to be a Ferry (the Ferrymans Hut and Boat are in Clitheroe Castle Museum) about a mile upstream near Hacking Hall (Brandy Hall from the LOTR). There's some suggestions that Hurst Green was the inspiration for Hobbiton, there's a Shire Lane, Smithy Row and several other place names that are similar to the ones in LOTR - which also happens to be favourite book.

Middle Earth isn't in New Zealand - it's right here in Lancashire...

And before you ask, no I didn't walk all the way across this bridge, I got as far as the thin arch bit on the right hand side...

[Phil]

1 hour ago, Ryewolf said:

after all Lancashire is the best place in the whole world

Pah!

Some good background info there, Rye. You sure it's not in Yorkshire? 

[colinb]

8 hours ago, Ryewolf said:

after all Lancashire is the best place in the whole world,

Spell check cocking words up again, just edit and copy paste: INCOLN then your set to go 

[FUJI]

A well taken and  processed study........... one for the wall I think.

Lancashire? Yorkshire?

They'r those grimy places oop North ....... aren't they?

Ducks head beneath parapet, awaiting retaliation......but.....perhaps not.....they will never agree on the strategy ?

FUJI

[Korky]

I love the contrasty processing - very nice indeed.

I was in this area only last week - A walk that took in Hurst Green, Ribble, Hodder, Calder, Hacking Hall, Cromwell's Bridge, Stonyhurst College and back to Hurst Green. Lovely!

Then.....

When we got home, we put the old tin bath in front of the fire in the parlour and had a proper good soak. Mrs K and myself laughed like drains when we er..... made bubbles!

After a chippy tea, we listened to Mrs Dale's Diary on the wireless, shared a mug of tea and a Woodbine and then took to an early bed just as the gas lamps were coming on. Proper grand, owd fettler. Proper grand!

Must dash now, I've heard that the shop on the corner of Clinker Street has had a delivery of tripe and cowheel and I want to be first in what will be a very long queue! 

Korky

 

[Illusionaryarts]

my gosh how strange.... if this is the same bridge I think it is, its on the way through the trough of bowland. if it isnt then there is one identical to it in that area. It's one of my favourite landscape vignettes of the area and I took some of the bridge myself last year the last time I went on a drive through there before my mum passed away. She used to love going though the trough of bowland because it really was a cornucopia of landscapes and views.

[Clicker]

I have only been twice through the  Trough of Bowlandand it is indeed  a veritable Knickerbocker Glory of a place to explore ...As for LOTR...  well  the most awesome classic read ...   Very nice work Rye...

[kev7d]

I hope it is maintained? It would be a great shame to lose the bridge.  

[Ryewolf]

Thanks everyone.

[chorleyjeff]

8 hours ago, Illusionaryarts said:

my gosh how strange.... if this is the same bridge I think it is, its on the way through the trough of bowland. if it isnt then there is one identical to it in that area. It's one of my favourite landscape vignettes of the area and I took some of the bridge myself last year the last time I went on a drive through there before my mum passed away. She used to love going though the trough of bowland because it really was a cornucopia of landscapes and views.

Hurst Green is most certainly not in the Trough of Bowland.  It is not even in the Forest of Bowland.

And both are in deepest rural Lancashire - oh yes there are such places but we are not at all keen to let outsiders know about them. Although when you arrive you are welcome to roam as you wish, unlike the Cotswolds and Chilterns where I have spent time in the second half of last month. Why so many keep out and beware of dogs signs ?

But give me £500,000 and I would move to the Chilterns/Thames area like a shot ???

Jeff

[Illusionaryarts]

I know the bridge though Jeff because on my many trips to the trough- particularly when I go though the longridge way I've often passed this bridge and indeed a couple of times took a photo of it

[ChrisLumix]

On 4 January 2017 at 09:54, Korky said:

Must dash now, I've heard that the shop on the corner of Clinker Street has had a delivery of tripe and cowheel and I want to be first in what will be a very long queue! 

Pffft. Ordinary working mens' diet too shabby for toffs like you? Round here we queue for mouldy hard 3-week-old bread crusts.