Cromwell's Bridge

Cromwell's Bridge Matt-rex

This bridge was built during the Tudor period but found fame in August 1648 in the English Civil War. During the war, Oliver Cromwell marched his army of more than 8,000 soldiers along with artillery over the bridge on his way to the battle of Preston. Despite being outnumbered, he defeated the combined army of English Royalists and Scots “Engagers” who marched south in support of King Charles I.

The bridge was a packhorse bridge and has been out of use since the nearby Lower Hodder Bridge was built in the early 19th-century. The parapets of Cromwell’s Bridge were constructed very low from the start, to allow pack horses, loaded with panniers, to cross.

The bridge provides an attractive and romantic setting. The central arch has become quite popular with wedding photographers.

Know Before You Go

Although a path takes you from the northwest end of the Lower Hodder Bridge to Cromwell's Bridge, all you can do when you get there is walk over the bridge and back, as the footpath does not continue.