Kirkby Lonsdale
Kirkby Lonsdale is a small
town in
Cumbria,
England, on the
River Lune.
The town is noted for the Devil's Bridge over the River Lune, dating from around 1370 and constructed of well masoned fine gritstone. It consists of three spans, the western two measuring 1.7 m (54 ft 8 in) each and the eastern one 8.8 m (29 ft). The piers are hexagonal, measuring 1.8 m (60 ft) round. A great flood will easily reach the base of the arches and run over the tops of the cutwaters. In common with many
bridges of the same name,
legend holds that the
Devil appeared to an old woman, promising to build a bridge in exchange for the first soul to cross over it. When the bridge was finished the woman threw bread over the bridge and her dog chased after it, thereby outwitting the Devil. Several large stones in the surrounding area, including the Great Stone of Fourstones, are ascribed to the
Devil's purse-strings bursting open as he ferried masonry to build it.
Other notable buildings include St Mary's
Church, a
Norman structure with fine carved columns. The view of the River Lune from the churchyard is known as Ruskin's View; it was praised by
John Ruskin and painted by
J. M. W. Turner.
The town is famous as a
motorbike enthusiast's meeting place; this happens every Sunday at Devil's Bridge.
A two-day
Victorian Fair is hosted in the town each September. The streets are closed to traffic and filled with traders' stalls, craft demonstrations and entertainment, while visitors are encouraged to wear Victorian dress.
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Kirkby Lonsdale, Historic Market Town* for
Grid reference: SD 611 788.
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Illustrated guide to Kirkby Lonsdale
