Skeldergate Bridge, York

Skeldergate Bridge, which spans the River Ouse in York, is an important part of the city's architectural history. Recognized as essential in 1873 because over 800 people used the Skeldergate ferry every day, the construction of the bridge began with the laying of the foundation stone in 1878. The bridge was finished and opened for people to walk across on January 1, 1881, and was opened to vehicles a few months later in March.

Designed by Thomas Page, the renowned architect who also worked on Lendal Bridge and London's Westminster Bridge, Skeldergate Bridge shares aesthetic similarities with these structures, particularly in its Gothic-inspired ironwork details. The bridge features a decorative parapet adorned with trefoils, six-pointed stars, and the emblematic white rose of York. A unique aspect of the bridge’s design is its northeasternmost span, which was originally constructed to be operable to allow passage for tall ships heading to the upstream quays. This functionality was last utilized in 1975, and the winding mechanism has since been removed.

Initially built as a toll bridge, Skeldergate Bridge included a toll house that housed the operational machinery for the opening span. The bridge transitioned to toll-free status on April 1, 1914, an event celebrated with great enthusiasm and marked by a regatta, reflecting the community's relief and joy at the removal of the tolls. The toll house remains standing, serving as a historical reminder of the bridge’s past functionality.