Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria 1275 (?)

“It is by far the finest bridge in the north of England" - Edwyn Jervoise, 1931.

I hate bridges. They’re always trouble, there’s never an innocent bridge! Too many trolls, demons and rushing water for my liking. My point is perfectly exemplified by the tale of Devil’s Bridge from (maybe?!) 1275 in Kirkby Lonsdale.

The earliest documentation of the bridge dates back to 1275 when a grant was provided for the bridge’s repair… but no one can accurately say when this three-arched structure originated. Probably due to records relating to the construction of the bridge becoming lost during the reformation in the 16th Century. Perhaps no one can quite agree on the details of the bridge’s construction as it was not built by mortal man, nay, it is said that Devil’s Bridge was indeed built by the big man himself - the Devil.

One fine day, the Devil took a trip to Cumbria (he must’ve been looking for Kendal Mint Cake or something), and happened upon an old lady looking rather distressed. In some stories, the old woman was upset because her cow had somehow managed to get to the other side of the River Lune, and she couldn’t get him back. The Devil, seeking an opportunity as he always does, promised the old lady that he would build her a bridge (for he guessed she was not able to build one herself), but on one condition… the first soul to cross the bridge would be his to keep.

Tough decision really, for if she wanted to cross the bridge to bring her cow back, the pesky Devil would own her soul. She went back home and slept on it, all the while the Devil was busy making a splendid bridge, one she couldn’t refuse.

She came back, and the Devil had finished her bridge. The old woman looked very pleased, how wonderful, what craftmanship! She pulled a piece of bread out of her pocket and threw it across to the other side of the bridge. Strange, but the Devil has seen stranger. Suddenly, her hungry hound bolted across the bridge to retrieve the tasty piece of bread.

Damn! The devil probably thought. What am I going to do with a dog’s soul?! She outwitted me!

And indeed she had, the Devil did not want her dog. She kept her soul. She was free to cross the bridge to find her cow. The Devil left Kirkby Lonsdale and never once returned.

The bridge itself is closed to traffic, I imagine due to it’s age and the potential for demonic possession, but walkers still enjoy having picnics and enjoying the view at this location. But be careful, for there is a deep impression in the stone, often referred to as the devil’s handprint, at the apex of the bridge… did the Devil permanently brand the bridge in revenge for the old lady’s trick?