There has been a bridge over the River Ribble at Sawley for centuries. In the reign of Edward I, records show that Henry de Blackburn left two shillings per year for the repair of the bridge.

Sawley Bridge carries the Sawley road over the River Ribble, close to Sawley Village, in the Ribble Valley.

The photograph above shows approaching Sawley Bridge from Sawley Village on the Sawley road which continues to Bolton By Bowland and Grindleton.

The structure we see today dates from around 1800, but parts of it are thought to be earlier. The bridge is made of finely dressed sandstone.

Its three arches are supported on two piers which have triangular cutwaters facing into the river.

The River Ribble

The photograph above is looking north from on top of the bridge, towards Sawley Village.

The photograph above is looking south from on top of the bridge, towards the Village of Grindleton.

Viewing the bridge down river from the south

(Photographed Tuesday 12th November 2024)