Historic bridge with Gentleman Jack connections ‘in danger of collapsing'

The Grade II listed bridge at Crow Nest is located along Coach Road and allows access to Crow Nest Golf Club.

The land beneath the bridge belongs to the golf club but it is unclear who owns the bridge itself.

A group of volunteers have done what they can in removing the overgrowing ivy but Bob Horne, chairman of the Lightcliffe and District Local History Society, has said this has reinforced just what a dangerous state it has reached.

He said: “What we would like to see is the bridge repaired as it is in danger of collapsing, which, apart from losing a valuable link in the area’s history, would make Coach Road, an extremely popular thoroughfare for walkers and cyclists, impassable.”

Crow Nest is among other locations in Calderdale that saw a boost in visitors after the hit TV series Gentleman Jack, which detailed the life of Halifax diarist Anne Lister.

Following the BBC series last year visitors came from across the world to learn more about Ann Walker, partner of Anne Lister. The Lightcliffe resident was part of the very wealthy Walker family.

Ian Philp, chairman of the Friends of St Matthew’s Churchyard, said that Ann was buried under the church, which was since demolished, and a plaque commemorating this is stored in the old church tower

He continued to share how big an impact Gentleman Jack had on visitor numbers. He said: “A Calderdale Heritage Walk led by John Brooke and featuring the churchyard and the house where Ann was born and died would have attracted around 30 visitors. Last Autumn 90 turned up! The tower was opened for the first time in 50 years and nearly 500 came to view.

“Visitors come from our locality, across the UK and Europe, USA and Australia.”