BEGGARS . . .

. . . can't be choosers – and this is the way to cross the river safely.

Welcome to Beggar’s Bridge in Glaisdale, N Yorkshire. This famous packhorse bridge was built across the River Esk in 1619.

Folklore tells of a pauper Thomas Ferris and his secret relationship with the rich local squire’s daughter, Agnes Richardson.  In order to win her hand, he planned to set sail from Whitby to make his fortune. On the night that he left, the River Esk was swollen with rainfall. He was unable to make a last visit to his intended. Years later he returned from his travels a rich man and, after marrying the squire's daughter, built Beggar's Bridge so that no other lovers would be separated as they were.