Change Bridge over former Lancaster-Kendal Canal

The Change Bridge over the former Lancaster-Kendal Canal is a canal change bridge built in 1818 by William Crosley Jr. It is constructed of squared coursed limestone and features limestone voussoirs and a projecting keystone above a single elliptical arch. The bridge has string courses and coping on its parapets, as well as end pilasters. Ramped pathways lead to either side, with intact cobblestones on the west approach and retaining walls. Although the canal has been filled in at this location, the kerbstones of the towpath remain visible beneath the bridge. Some later rubble masonry walling on either side of the bridge does not bond with the original structure. This bridge is believed to be the only surviving change bridge in Cumbria.

Historically, the canal was completed south from Tewitfield between 1792 and 1797 under the supervision of engineer John Rennie, who provided specifications for bridges that included battered and waisted abutments. Thomas Fletcher oversaw progress north from Tewitfield starting in 1815, but work only reached the Hincaster tunnel before William Crosley Jr. was appointed in June 1817 to manage the construction from Hincaster to Kendal. Crosley’s specifications were similar to Rennie’s earlier designs but lacked the distinctive ‘double keystones’ found on Rennie’s bridges. The contract for the bridges was awarded in 1817.