Swing bridges are generally operated from the offside, i.e. the non towpath side of the canal. This is so the bridge could be swung out of the way, leaving clear passage for the tow-line. A member of the crew would be put off the boat to cross the bridge to open it. Not until the boat had passed, could the crew member close the bridge, return to the towpath and board the boat. This makes life interesting today on navigable canals for those operating boats on their own – single handed. This haulingside bridge was operated from the towpath 'hauling side', requiring the tow-line to be lifted over the bridge structure as the towing horse progressed along the towpath. The reason for this departure from the norm is lost in history or, awaiting discovery in an archive somewhere.
HAULINGSIDE SWING BRIDGE Bridge 46
2020