York, Ouse Bridge c.1939
Photo ref: Y12005
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Photo ref: Y12005
Photo of York, Ouse Bridge c.1939

More about this scene

The story is told (which may or may not be true) that in 1154 thousands of people lined the old bridge to herald the arrival of Archbishop William Fitzherbert, later to become St William of York. The weight of the crowds caused the bridge to collapse, but no-one was killed; because there was no loss of life, it was proclaimed a miracle.

An extract from York Photographic Memories.

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York Photographic Memories

York Photographic Memories

The photo 'York, Ouse Bridge c1939' appears in this book.

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A Selection of Memories from York

For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our website to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was, prompted by the photographs in our archive. Here are some from York

Sparked a Memory for you?

If this has sparked a memory, why not share it here?

I miss this place
my grandparents and great grandparents married in this church and lived in the Stonebow and Pavement area.My great-grandfather and his father sold humbugs in the Shambles market:
In the early & mid 50's as a lad I spent my weekends working in the boatyard by the bridge. As you look at the picture it was downstream of Kendal bridge on the left. Access was through the arch on this side of the bridge. A selection of rowboats & a motorboat river cruiser that did afternoon runs to Bishopthorpe Palace. A start to a life of over 40 years at sea or involved in the maritime world that included over 22 years in the maritime branch of the Army. Oh happy days.
Do you remember eddy and jess Creaser landlord in the 60s