Cromwell's Hodder bridge, Mitton

Cromwell's Hodder bridge at Mitton in Yorkshire, across the river Hodder close to its confluence with the River Ribble at Mitton was built a few years before Cromwell used it when his army were heading for Stonyhurst on the evening prior to his final victory over the king at Preston in 16xx.

Whilst Cromwell himself is said to have passed over the bridge, it is more than likely that the bulk of his army used the ford a few yards upstream (and between Cromwell's bridge and the present road bridge).

Although the bridge appears to be in an advanced state of decay, it is clear that the bridge never had any parapets, and is probably still close to its original state.

On arrival at Stonyhurst, Cromwell demanded accomodation for himself and his army. Lady Sherburne, whose husband was away fighting in the Royalist cause, was reluctantly compelled to give them shelter for the night, but it is recorded that Cromwell had to sleep on a table downstairs, and that Lady Sherburne carried a pair of loaded pistols throughout the stay.

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