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All the United Kingdom England Manchester Hanging Ditch Bridge
AO Edited

Hanging Ditch Bridge

The construction of this bridge dates back to the 15th century.

Manchester, England

Added By
Gareth Hacking
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Hanging Ditch Bridge   Gareth Hacking / Atlas Obscura User
Hanging Ditch Bridge   Gareth Hacking / Atlas Obscura User
  SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
  SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
  SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
  rbenn250 / Atlas Obscura User
Hanging Ditch Bridge   Gareth Hacking / Atlas Obscura User
  SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
Walkway between Manchester Cathedral and Visitor’s Center   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
  SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
View from inside Visitor’s Center   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
  SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
Hanging Ditch Bridge   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanging_Bridge
  Steve 55 / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Located in the basement of Manchester Cathedral's Visitor Centre is a rare example of architecture from the Middle Ages. Listed as a Scheduled Ancient Monument, the Hanging Ditch bridge dates back to 1421. It was originally built to link the cathedral to the city center.  

The red sandstone bridge was thought to be lost until it was rediscovered during excavations in the 1880s. It became a curiosity of the Victorian age, attracting 32,000 paying visitors in just three months.

The Hanging Ditch bridge was covered again during the expansion of the city center before being rediscovered more than a century later. It was unveiled in 2002 as part of the interior of the visitor center.

Related Tags

Medieval Architecture History & Culture Bridges

Know Before You Go

It isn't currently possible to access the bridge within the building, but it can be seen from the exterior. One can also get closer views by using the walkway that takes one to the Visitor's Center toilets.

Calling it a bridge is a bit misleading, as it doesn't cross over any body of water. However, one can cross over from Manchester Cathedral to the Visitor's Center, via a walkway adjacent to 1881 Cafe.

Community Contributors

Added By

Gareth Hacking

Edited By

SEANETTA, rbenn250, jonathancarey, Steve 55

  • SEANETTA
  • rbenn250
  • jonathancarey
  • Steve 55

Published

August 2, 2022

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Hanging Ditch Bridge
10 Cateaton St, Manchester, United Kingdom
Manchester, England
United Kingdom
53.484703, -2.24469

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Stories 2

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