| Description | This canal bridge was built c.1780 for the Leeds and Liverpool Canal company. It is of coursed squared gritstone. It has an elliptical arch, and a raised ashlar band below the parapet with ashlar coping, which has been renewed to the southeast part. It has end pilasters surmounted by ashlar blocks that terminate the parapet. There is a buttress at the northeast angle. Under the bridge, there are large kerbstones to the towing path on the east side of the canal.
The first Yorkshire stage of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal was opened in 1777. James Bradley and John Longbottom (of Halifax) were engineers to the company.
(Text edited from English Heritage's National Heritage List of England, 1976)
In 2004 Listed Building Consent was granted for bridge strengthening works at Broad Lane Bridge (Thornborrow, 2004).
In June 2004 and October 2005 Archaeological Services WYAS (ASWYAS) undertook archaeological recording work at Broad Lane Bridge during and after repair work to the top and to the north west parapet. During the repairs, much of the loose fill over the bridge was removed and replaced with poured concrete, and tie rods were inserted through the width of the bridge. For further details, and to view the photographic survey, please see the final report (ASWYAS, 2005), a copy of which is on file in the HER. |