The Old Loyne Bridge was the main bridge spanning the stretch of River Lune as it ran though the modern day city of Lancaster, extant and in use for at least six hundred years, leading up to its closure and partial demolition in 1802.
Contents
From the southern bank (cityside), the bridge was reached by following China Lane and Bridge Lane, leading across to what is now the vicinity of Our Lady's Catholic College.
Legacy in culture
Though information on the Old Loyne Bridge is difficult to access, there are numerous references in published literature to what was Lancaster's principal line of communication, as well as cultural artefacts, including the following:
Poetry abridged from Gleanings in Local History
"Thou hast stood old Neptune's billows,
In the ages gone,
Lash'd by Tim's relentless willows,
Till at length undone.
Many an eye hath watch'd in sorrow,
Foemen thous hast led,
Many a warrior e're the morrow,
Fallen by thee dead.
Native feet and feet of strangers,
Thou o'er Loyne hast borne,
Pictish Clansmen, Danish Rangers,
Heedless of their scorn.
Many a Knight in robe escallop'd,
Arm'd for the affray,
On his steed has proudly gallop'd,
O'er thy lofty way.
Storm and sunshine, peace and battle,
Thou of old hast known,
While the children's merry prattle,
Did for strife atone.
Oft the Sun in splendour shining,
Hath thy corbels charm'd,
Sylvan warblers thus inclining,
To a song thrice warm'd.
Cere's sons around have labour'd,
As those wood nymphs sang,
And the little ones have tabour'd,
While the joy bells rang.
Counting beads in deep contrition,
Saints have o'er thee pass'd,
Thinking of the great transition,
Bridge of Death at last.
Thou art vanish'd – of thy glory,
Bards alone may tell,
But, old bridge, in ancient story,
Thou shall ever dwell."