Clow Beck Pack Horse Bridge, Near Monk End Farm

Clow Beck Pack Horse Bridge, located near Monk End Farm, is a packhorse bridge that likely dates back to the 15th century, with repairs made in the 17th and 18th centuries. It is constructed from limestone and some handmade brick. The bridge features two unequal arches that are aligned differently, creating a bent shape. Both arches are segmental and consist of single arch rings made of voussoirs. A broad central pier has a rough rounded cutwater on the upstream side, which is accompanied by a modern concrete skirt. The low parapet is primarily made of rubble or brick wall with chamfered coping, although some sections are formed with large chamfered blocks. The deck has not been replaced with modern materials and still retains its original cobbling. Historical records related to the bridge are preserved in the County Record Office, with references from 1677 and nine sessions between 1710 and 1781. The bridge is noted in E. Hinchcliffe's 1994 publication "A Guide to the Packhorse Bridges of England." It is a good example of a vernacular bridge that shows evidence of a long history of intermittent maintenance through its structure and contemporary records.