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.

King's Arms, Ouse Bridge Inn, King's Arms

The King's Arms is a former 17th century customs house which became a pub in 1783. It was originally known as the King's Arms possibly named after the customs house crest. In the 19th century it had a change of name to the Ouse Bridge Inn. Did they have marketing people back then doing "relaunches"! In 1974 the name was changed back to the King's Arms to commemorate Richard III depicted on the present day sign. This change was at a time when he was being sold as not being as bad as he had been portrayed, possibly a case of the victor writing history to suit their own needs. The one remaining link to the intermediate naming of the pub can be seen as you walk up King's Street where the etched windows still have the name Ouse Bridge Inn.