Stamford Bridge

Stamford Bridge is a small village some 9 miles east of York, beside the River Derwent. It has been an important crossing point on the river since at least Roman times, almost 2000 years ago.

This road bridge was designed by William Etty and completed in 1727. The bridge was strengthened in the 1960s and at the same time an adjacent pedestrian bridge was erected (at the opposite side to this shot). Riverside paths run along both banks, and a circular route has been created by allowing access across the river further downstream across a disused railway viaduct.

An earlier bridge here played a significant role in English History. The Battle of Stamford Bridge took place here on 25 September 1066, between an Anglo-Saxon army under King Harold Godwinson and an invading Norwegian force led by King Harald Hardrada of Norway and the English king's brother Tostig Godwinson. After a bloody and horrific battle, both Hardrada and Tostig along with most of the Norwegians were killed.

Although Harold Godwinson repelled the Norwegian invaders, his victory was short-lived - hearing of an invading force led by William, Duke of Normandy he marched his army south, only to be defeated at the Battle of Hastings, and Norman rule began.

So what is now quite a quiet backwater was once part of a very significant time in English history.

[Camille Bisson]

nice reflections and composition, thank you for the wonderful narrative.

[Padlock]

Great shot and composition . I think it has made the news more recently with the use of GPS and another Stamford Bridge.

[Graham Thresher]

A brilliant shot. Fav.

[Pyrrhula]

A beautiful capture of this wonderful stone bridge . Great lights and reflections. thanks for the interesting info

[Molly]

A good capture of this bridge and its reflections. Interesting history too.

[Jacqui Paterson]

sTunning reflections. Great composition.

[Bob]

Nice capture of this bridge and reflections. So much history in your part of the world.

[Malc Bird]

Great and fascinating history. Like the reflections but I'm afraid I'm a fan of the other Stamford Bridge :)

[Tony]

Beautifully captured bridge and another fantastic history text.

[Laura J.]

Wonderful photo with a history lesson, lucky us!

[Junan Heath]

Wonderful history and beautiful shot!

[bkb in the city]

Love all of your historic shots and commentaries

[Therese]

Very beautiful shot of a gorgeous bridge!

[Fisher Family]

@catsmeowb

Thank you Camille - we are very fortunate to have so much history around here that we can share!

Ian

[Fisher Family]

@padlock

Thank you Padlock - I think you are right, GPS has led a number of people astray!

Ian

[Fisher Family]

@thresheg

Thank you Graham, and thank you for the fav!

Ian

[Fisher Family]

@pyrrhula

Thank you Ferry - it was interesting to visit this lovely place, it's a long time since I was last there.

Ian

[Fisher Family]

@dolphin

Thank you Molly, I was fortunate to visit there on quite a nice day with good light.

Ian

[Fisher Family]

@witchyjacq

Thank you Jacqui, glad you like it. It was nice to have a walk beside the river and to explore the village.

Ian

[Fisher Family]

@bobhuegel

Thank you Bob - it's nice to have so much history that we can share on this site!

Ian

[Fisher Family]

@malc

Thank you Malc - I just knew someone would mention the other Stamford Bridge!

Ian

[Fisher Family]

@tonydebont

Thank you Tony - it was a lovely day for a walk beside the river.

Ian

[Fisher Family]

@helixconcepts

Thank you Laura - I hope you don't get too fed up with all the history!

Ian

[Fisher Family]

@paintdipper

Thank you Junan - it was a lovely riverbank walk!

Ian

[Fisher Family]

@bkbinthecity

Thank you Brian - so much history to see and learn about here, and I'm pleased we are able to share it on this site.

Ian

[Fisher Family]

@monkeykid

Thank you Therese - I love the colour of the stone bridges in this area.

Ian

[Lee]

Good shot of this very interesting bridge.

[Karen Matthews]

Very pretty.

[Fisher Family]

@gamelee

Thank you Lee - Stamford Bridge was an interesting place to visit

Ian

[Fisher Family]

@karenmatthews

Thank you Karen, glad you like it!

Ian