The hamlet of Wycoller was a sheep farming community in the 17th century and then boomed when handloom weaving was established in the 18th century. During the 19th century, weaving moved to industrial mills and by 1896 the village was virtually deserted, as people moved to the towns to find work. There's an interesting history HERE.
There are several bridges across Wycoller Beck. The twin-arched packhorse bridge dates to the 15th century and featured in the film 'The Railway Children'. At the other side of the ford is a late 18th century clapper bridge, an ancient form of bridge construction consisting of stone slabs supported on piers.
It wasn't open when we visited but beyond the ruined hall there is a huge aisled barn, dating to around 1650. (See HERE). Beyond that there's a pretty little duckpond.
That first bridge is so picturesque. Not many ways it could be improved, apart from the addition of Jenny Agutter of course.
ReplyDeleteLovely old bridges!
ReplyDeleteWonderful old bridges!
ReplyDeleteThese are beautiful.
ReplyDelete