Bridging Time and Tales: Devil’s Bridge
Devil’s Bridge lies just outside the centre of Kirkby Lonsdale, a charming market town steeped in history.
It is one of the oldest bridges in the county.
The bridge is a majestic medieval structure whispering tales of ancient drovers, mischievous devils, and the enduring spirit of humanity.
The town developed as a crossing over the River Lune, where drovers’ and pack-horse routes converged.
The narrowing of the Lune at this point would have made it a natural crossing point, and several ancient routes converge here, although the actual crossing point for the original Ford is not known.
One of the problems facing the early settlers was the fact that the levels of the River Lune would rise following heavy rain, making it impossible to cross at the ford.
The answer to the problem was solved with the building of a bridge.
Prior to the construction of Kirkby Lonsdale’s Devil’s Bridge, we see today, it is believed the first bridge would have been a wooden bridge.
This bridge would predate the formation of the current island.
It crossed to the east end of the island in the river known as ‘Far Lune’.
At Ladies Well, located in Lillywoods, just below Church Brow, a large kind of raft or boat was kept until the start of the 1800s.
It was used to take townsfolk across the Lune to Kirkfit meadow opposite, where annual horse races were always held.
At a later stage, the meadow was used as a cricket and football ground to which people crossed by boat.
The fable, which the bridge is named after, is supposedly provided by the Devil to enable a poor widow to reach her cow on the other side of the river.
In return for this, the Devil was to acquire the soul of the first being to cross the bridge.
The poor widow’s only other possession was a small dog.
On provision of the bridge, she picked the little dog up and threw it across the bridge, thus thwarting the Devil and saving her own soul.
Today, one of the main challenges facing the bridge is the dangerous ‘sport’ of tombstoning, where people jump from the bridge into the river below.
The practice continues even though it is illegal, and there has been one fatality and several serious injuries over recent years.
Where to Stay near Kirkby Lonsdale
Stay at Lothlorien: Your Gateway to Devil’s Bridge: For an unforgettable stay, choose Lothlorien, an idyllic retreat located 40 minutes from Kirkby Lonsdale.
Surrounded by the natural beauty of Morecambe Bay, Lothlorien provides cosy, comfortable accommodation and warm hospitality, making it an excellent base for your Devil’s Bridge adventure.
So, if you’re searching for affordable accommodation near Kirkby Lonsdale, we would love to welcome you to Lothlorien any time of year.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1) Is Kirkby Lonsdale worth visiting?
Answer:
Definitely yes. Kirkby Lonsdale has long been famous for its bridge, church and riverside walks. It has old squares, charming streets and Georgian houses where little has changed.
2) Is Kirkby Lonsdale dog-friendly?
Dogs are very welcome in Kirkby Lonsdale. Most pubs and cafes allow them in. There is a lovely River Lune walk where you can exercise your dog and let them swim.
To make an enquiry about our holiday cottage in Grange-over-Sands, ring 07785944194 or click here.