Wansford Bridge.

On a quiet backwater in East Yorkshire,you will find this lovely little bridge over the river Hull, at Wansford.
With five red brick round - headed arches the bridge was built in 1830.

It was at the turn round spot for our walk today along the Driffield Canal.
It was opened in 1772 for broad boats and keels carrying 60 to 70 tons.
The boats from Hull carried coal linseed,or other seeds to Driffield oil mills, and returned with oil cake, corn and flour to Hull.
The last commercial boat to reach Driffield was in 1945.
In the past few years some of the locks have been repaired, but there was no sign of any boats today.

In the 18th century there was a carpet weaving mill at Wansford.
As there weren’t enough local people to work the mill, orphaned children were brought from London. They lived in 6 houses . 10 children and an overseeing couple in each.
However the mill burnt down in 1816.

The village has a beautiful little church built by Sir Tatton Sykes, and opened in 1868.
St.Mary’s Church has some beautiful stained glass windows, and as it was open I had a look inside.

A delightful walk, on another beautiful warm sunny day. Temp. up to 22C.

Driffield looked a lovely town. Quite busy, as it was market day, and the centre was closed off to traffic, and full of stalls. Reminded us of the markets in France. We will definitely return another day to look round.

Extra of the swan family.