Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Moorings above Goole
.
Powerlines cross before the confluence with the River Calder, bringing in the Wakefield
Section. The cut becomes the boundary between Leeds and Wakefield. The river loops away
towards Castleford and Allinson's flourmills with the world's largest capacity for stone-
ground flour, grinding by water power at a weir.
On Ermine Street, from Lincoln to Tadcaster, the Roman fort of Lagentium guarded the
Aire crossing point, the most difficult river crossing on the Great North Road. It was the site
of a battle between warring factions in 947. There are fort and bathhouse remains and a mu-
seum has archaeological finds. There was famous glassware and pottery in the 18th century
but Castleford's claim to fame these days is as the birthplace of Henry Moore.
Beyond a bowstring railway bridge and powerlines are
ings
, Old Norse for meadows. Cas-
tleford Ings, on the south side, face Newton Ings and Fairburn Ings, well endowed with lakes.
The latter is on what has been an industrial site since Roman times. It is now a wetlands re-
serve for the RSPB.
Ferrybridge is known for its power stations: Ferrybridge A, below the railway since 1927,
and Ferrybridge B, above the railway from 1953, have both closed. Today there is just the
2GW Ferrybridge C from 1967, the largest in Yorkshire, burning 1,000t of coal per hour.
After all the former mine sites and power stations, the darkened stone church tower near
the river in Brotherton comes unexpectedly, as does Brotherton Bridge, which carries the
York to Rotherham railway. Built in 1840 as an impressive tubular bridge on massive abut-
ments, it was replaced in 1901-1903 by towering Whipple Murphy trusses. At one time it
formed part of the only line between Scotland and England. The queen and three of her chil-
dren were said to have been placed here for safety while Edward II was fighting the Scots.
Located so as to be visible through a bridge arch is the traffic light for Ferrybridge Lock,
a flood lock normally open beyond the Golden Lion as the navigation leaves the river for the
last time and takes to the Knottingley & Goole Canal. Sir Richard at the Lee was said to have
crossed the Aire here with Robin Hood's party.
