Causey Arch

Causey Arch is a Grade I listed wagonway bridge built in 1727 by Ralph Wood for Mr. Wortley and Colonel Liddell. The date is inscribed on a stone at the foot of the west abutment, which is signed by B. Horne. The bridge is constructed from coursed squared sandstone with ashlar dressings and measures 105 feet long and 80 feet high. It features a round arch made of three courses of voussoirs, with the inner part recessed, and wide buttresses. It likely did not have parapets originally, but a railing was added in the 20th century. Causey Arch is considered the first railway bridge in the world and showcases the early technological skills of engineers from the Northumberland and Durham coalfields.