Horse Park Bridge over Lancaster/Kendal Canal

Horse Park Bridge is a canal bridge built in 1818 by William Crosley Jr. It is constructed from local limestone ashlar and features a single three-centred arch. The bridge has slightly arched parapets with overhanging copings and bands. There are slots in the stonework that contain the remains of iron sluice gates, although the canal is now dry.

Historically, the Lancaster/Kendal Canal was completed south from Tewitfield between 1792 and 1797 under the supervision of engineer John Rennie, who provided specifications for the bridges, including battered and waisted abutments. From 1815, Thomas Fletcher oversaw the work north from Tewitfield but only reached the Hincaster tunnel before William Crosley Jr. was appointed in June 1817 to manage the works from Hincaster to Kendal. Crosley’s specifications were similar to Rennie’s earlier designs but did not include the distinctive ‘double keystones’ found on Rennie’s bridges. The contract for the bridges was awarded in 1817.