View Under Lendal Bridge Towards Ouse Bridge

Lamp Standards - Ouse Bridge

This is the least adorned lamp standard in terms of additions by the local council. Why oh wwhy do they have to clutter beautiful items of street furniture like this with items like parking restriction signs? Although this one has no parking restriction signs it does have a number on it and a message of where to contact if the light is not working including the number on the pole. There was a time when they had a man to go round checking the lights but not anymore; they now rely on the public to let them know when things are not working.

Ouse Bridge

The first bridge in York was built by the Romans and linked with Stonegate. This was replaced by the Vikings who built a wooden bridge where the present day Ouse Bridge is sited. In 1154 a large crowd gathered on the bridge for the return from exile of St William of York. It was more than the structure could bear and it collapsed into the river. A stone replacement was built but was partially swept away by flooding in the winter of 1564/5. The repaired bridge had a magnificent central arch spanning 81 feet and was described by Defoe as the greatest in England. In 1810 work was stared to dismantle this bridge and replace it with the New Ouse Bridge designed by Peter Atkinson the Younger and was completed in 1821.

Notice the handy shelf which idiots use to stand on during hot summer days before launching themslves off the bridge into the water below if they are lucky or into the bows of a pleasure boat and breaking bones or killing themselves if they are not so lucky.

In the distance you can see the lantern tower of All Saints Pavement Church.