York Civic Trust to unveil new research into Ouse Bridge

York Civic Trust has uncovered a little-known link between York’s two most famous saints – William of York and Margaret Clitheroe - whilst researching a well-known bridge in the centre of York. The Ouse Bridge project’s surprising results will be presented in a talk on Thursday 25th July.

Ouse Bridge was the city’s first crossing and its earliest version dates to the time of the Vikings, but according to York Civic Trust the important history of the bridge is largely unknown by visitors and residents alike. Now, new research brings to light just how important the bridge has been in York’s history. 

Andrew Morrison, York’s Civic Trust’s chief executive, said, “To the hundreds of people who use it every day, Ouse Bridge is often considered just a dull bridge – a way to cross the river as quick as possible. But it’s York’s oldest bridge that survives today, and once we started looking into its history, we discovered many fascinating stories connected to it. We hope that this research will help people see the bridge as a much more interesting place to be.” 

York Civic Trust has said that the bridge was the only means of crossing the River Ouse by road for 1000 years. For much of its history, it was the centre of commercial life in the city and the place where the timekeeping of the city was regulated. The bridge, which has been rebuilt at least three times, was also home to the city council, courts of justice, and a scene of a medieval bloody skirmish.  

Speaking about the Trust’s plans for the future of Ouse Bridge, Duncan Marks, Planning and Heritage Manager, said, “We want to celebrate Ouse Bridge’s story and how it is key to understanding places like King's Staith. This is to help raise the profile of the bridge, the historic importance of which is somewhat hidden in plain sight and yet has been so integral to York’s history. We’ll be sharing what we’ve learnt about the bridge for the first time in a special talk that we’re hosting this Thursday.” 

If you want to find out more about the fascinating history of Ouse Bridge, the Trust's talk is at 5:30pm this Thursday 25th July. The talk is open to all – you can find out more here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ouse-bridge-saints-shops-and-staithes-tickets-925860282027?aff=oddtdtcreato