Cowford/Derwent Bridge
The Derwent Bridge, an attractive stone-built 19th century road bridge is situated alongside the site of the old Cowford Bridge which was constructed when a wagonway running down the hill and over the river was built to transport coal from pits at Pontop and Hobson near Burnopfield, continuing down the Derwent valley along the Main Way to Derwenthaugh Staiths.
The Cowford Bridge existed long before the village of Rowlands Gill itself, the Derwent Bridge being built to replace it following its collapse and a its subsequent temporary wooden replacement..
After the bridge the road climbs up the steep 'Busty Bank', with the entrance to the Gibside Estate to the left and the lane off to the right leading towards Friarside and South Garesfield Colliery where many of the men from the Bottoms were employed.
This old postcard portrays a rare photograph of a train crossing the viaduct taken from the Derwent road bridge.
After the bridge the road climbs up the steep 'Busty Bank', with the entrance to the Gibside Estate to the left and the lane off to the right leading towards Friarside and South Garesfield Colliery, Barcus Close Colliery located by the road-side.
Many of the men from the Bottoms were employed at these local pits.
Many of the men from the Bottoms were employed at these local pits.