I read the report 'Resident's fury as bridges remain broken' (Gazette, April 2) regarding three Dentdale bridges needing repairs.
Cowgill Bridge was definitely repaired in 1702, according to its plaque. But the original part of this bridge is probably a century older than that, as it has very real evidence of its history as a packhorse bridge.
The underside shows the extension to accommodate carts from an original width that would have been around six feet.
The picture above shows the original packhorse bridge elevation but there would not have been parapets originally.
Dentdale had a steady packhorse trade prior to the building of turnpikes and railways and the road over from Garsdale (Coal Road) was part of the long-distance route from Galloway, known as Galloway Gate.
It was used by packhorse teams and drovers.
This linked with the Cam road for Hawes, and via the route that is above Blea Moor Tunnel with Ingleton and Settle.
Maggie Dickinson
Penwortham
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