Chantry Bridge

Chantry Bridge, a Grade I listed structure, crosses the River Calder in West Yorkshire and is located south of Wakefield's city centre.
The bridge incorporates a chantry chapel and was built shortly after it was granted a licence as a toll bridge in 1342. The previous bridge was severely damaged by heavy floods. Completion of the structure was believed to have been delayed by the Black Death which swept through England during 1349 and 1350.

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Downstream elevation of bridge
showing original gothic arches (circa 1350)

The bridge was built with Gothic shaped arches which can be seen on the downstream elevation. In 1758 the bridge was widened by 9ft on the upstream side, and a further 9ft in 1797, using a circular arch construction which can be seen on the upstream elevation.

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Upstream elevation of bridge
showing extension arches (1797)

Main road traffic now uses Wafield New Bridge which crosses the River upstream of Chantry Bridge.
 
Chantry Chapel (Chapel of St Mary) is, according to the blue plaque on the face of the building, one of four such structures still remaining. Further information about the Chapel can be found at Wakefield Family History Sharing website.

 
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