the Turn? Bridge in Leigh, Lancashire

[stanmapstone]

You can see a number of photographs of modern Plank Lane Bridge at http://www.penninewaterways.co.uk/ll/ll98.htm

Stan

[t_creaney]

After a look at the bridge in operation I now realise that it is a lift bridge, lifting to allow the canal traffic to pass. I do live in the area but am not a native, hence not overfamiliar & only taking in some of the history I come across from time to time.

I spoke to some locals & barge folk and it seems that there was a lift or turn bridge of sorts on the site since the days of your William Hill. I haven’t looked in any depth but there seems to be a lot on the internet related mainly to the modern structure.

Acknowledgements to Stan for the links to a great selection of photographs.

So although this may not be the spot it seems most likely.

Regards.

tc

[stanmapstone]

The 1926 map of the area shows it as a Swing Bridge.http://maps.nls.uk/view/101103662#zoom=5&lat=3124&lon=5047&layers=BT
Stan

[plimmerian]

thanks for sharing the pics and links - I also noticed on the 1926 map a "swing bridge" after Barton's Bridge but before the railway bridge, near sports ground and Pilling Street - I'm guessing that would be in Westleigh also!?!

It seems to be called "Springfield Footbridge" on the modern photo trail: http://www.penninewaterways.co.uk/ll/ll99.htm

[t_creaney]

Just about Westleigh or at least very close and may well be the one. And a lot closer to Lord Steeet where William lived.

tc

[mazi]

hopefully this link will provide a picture of one of the leeds Liverpool canal swing bridges, there were many along the canal, all very similar
 http://www.shirecruisers.co.uk/canals/leeds-liverpool-canal.php

[plimmerian]

thanks for posting - now I understand what a turnbridge was - I'm sure there were many more accidents with those type of bridges - poor lad!