Roman Bridge

[admin]

Useful link that Dave! I had thought that Flood Gates Cottage was home to whoever controlled Oldknow's Flood Gates for his mill ponds but couldn't think where I had read it to confirm. However, the Listed Building Database does confirm it as "Flood Gate Operatives Cottage". I don't think it was ever a toll cottage either.

http://maps.stockport.gov.uk/internet/gisshed/infopage.aspx?idno=204

[Dave]

The listing (http://maps.stockport.gov.uk/internet/gisshed/infopage.aspx?idno=207) states that it is eighteenth centrury - i.e. pre-Victorian, but that the handrails are later (probably Victorian?)

[tonyjones]

The 'Roman Bridge' was probably built in the mid 1700s.

There is a report where the author says his father remembers it being built.

Also there was a great flood in 1740 (I think) that destroyed many of the bridges and this may have included teh 'Roman Bridge', which would then have been rebuilt around the mid 1700s.

It was given the name 'Roman' to encourage tourists from Manchester who came for day trips to 'The Roman lakes'


There is a theory that when Samuel Oldknow built his Bottoms Mill he also planned on having the new turnpike running past it. But this would have meant it would aslo run past Mellor Lodge.  When the turnpike was constructed it was higher up the valley and is now called Strines Road so I do not think it was ever used as a toll house.

[marveld]

Take a look at the caption accompanying the photo -

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gobayode/4796981100/

The photographer states it's a Victorian Bridge whilst a crossing at this point dates back to the 17th century. Is he right? Does anyone have any evidence as to when the current stone bridge was built?

He also says Flood Gates Cottage is an old Toll House. Is this right? I know a Tea Room used to exist there.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gobayode/4595971943/