Pit Lane area about 1960.
Pit Lane area about 1960.

Pit Lane Area about 1960

A pretty rural scene. Pit Lane was a popular walk and play area. This view showsthe left hand side of lane. Cattle from Hunt’s Farm are grazing, swans are on the pond. There is a larger extent of water and no spoilheaps.

In the background is the Caroline Swing Bridge over the canal and the small community there. The Bridge-keeper’s house is on the far bank of the canal. The gable of the Caroline Inn and the coal-loading staithes can be seen. There is an uninterrupted view across to Great Preston. The Swing Bridge closed in 1972.

Pit Lane – Children playing

Pit Lane 1965, on the left. At the top of Pit Lane near the canal. This area was just beginning to subside, providing a water recreation area for village children. You can see swing bridge over the canal and the bridge-keeper’s house on the far bank.

This bridge, built in 1908, replaced an earlier one. To the left of the bridge is the wooden hut where the bridge-keeper sat and collected the 1/2d toll per person. Behind is the gable of the Caroline Inn. Behind the bridge-keeper’s house (not
visible) were three cottages with gardens and orchards. Construction of the canal began by the Aire and Calder Navigation Company in 1826.

Pit Lane - children playing 1965.
Caroline Bridge 1982.
Caroline Bridge 1982.

Caroline Bridge 1982

TThe bridge is permanently swung back and was closed to pedestrians in 1972 because of open-cast coal mining on the Astley, Bowers Row side of the canal. Canal traffic could thus have free passage along the route.

Note the general dereliction over canal – all properties now demolished. Part of the manually operated 2 chain capstan for moving the bridge can be seen..

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