Rebuilt in 1862, Agecroft Bridge stands as a testament to time. Before us is a bridge steeped in history. It connects Pendlebury and Prestwich. Agecroft Bridge is more than just stone and arches. It whispers tales of industry, accidents, and community.
Let’s journey back to a time before the current structure. An earlier Agecroft Bridge stood here before 1784. It was part of the turnpike road over Kersal Moor. A toll-house adjoined the bridge. It remained until about 1808. The toll-keeper held the keys to the boathouse. His wife served as the laundress for the Agecroft Rowing Club. Their boathouse was close by.
The old Agecroft Bridge was picturesque. It had three arches and angular recesses over the piers. The roadway was narrow. Only one vehicle could pass at a time. Ivy partly covered the bridge. Large trees lined the riverbanks. Many artists captured its beauty on canvas.
In 1862, the current Agecroft Bridge was rebuilt. The cost was £5,897. It closely resembled the old bridge. It was wider to accommodate more traffic.
Agecroft Bridge was the scene of tragedy. In 1836, Mr. and Mrs. Barlow visited St. Mary’s Church. They were picking their grave spot. On their return, their gig crashed on the narrow bridge. Elizabeth died instantly. Thomas died a few hours later. Their gravestone tells their story like a newspaper article.
Rioting colliers used Agecroft Bridge in 1842. They had met on Kersal Moor. Their intent was to turn out local colliers.
In 1894, another bridge was built upstream. This cast-iron arched bridge carries water mains. They run from Lake Thirlmere to Prestwich Reservoir. The Manchester Corporation Waterworks built it. The reservoir is about two-thirds of a mile northeast of Agecroft Bridge.
A little above Agecroft Bridge is the Table Rock. It was once a celebrated fishing spot. On the east side is Drinkwater Park. Irwell House stands there among trees. The Salford Corporation purchased the house and park. They turned the buildings into a Smallpox Hospital. It opened in November 1902. A public footpath still runs through the park.
The first Agecroft Bridge likely replaced a fording point. It crossed the Irwell at the bottom of Singleton Brook. This ford was a well-trodden path. Mercians, Roman Legionnaires, and Neolithic communities likely used it.
Agecroft Bridge railway station once stood nearby. It opened in 1838. It was one of two stations between Salford and Bolton. The station was renamed Agecroft. Regular passenger services ceased shortly after opening. It reopened for regular services in 1857. The station closed permanently in 1861. The location later became a spur for the Agecroft Colliery & Power Station around 1925.
Imagine a young man reciting Latin verses near Agecroft Bridge. It was the early 18th century. His sister Sarah was his only audience. She admired him greatly.
Agecroft Bridge has witnessed much. It has been a crossing for centuries. It connects communities. It has seen industry and tragedy. It stands as a landmark. Agecroft Bridge is a reminder of the past. It also represents the enduring spirit of the region. As we stand here, we are connected to all who have crossed before us.