The bridge dates back to the 17th century, and became a listed building in 1967. Already in the 19th century,
Alexander Craig Gibson called it "an exquisite and unique specimen of a style of bridge all but extinct"; a century later,
Alfred Wainwright called it "the most picturesque footbridge in Lakeland, a slender arch constructed of slate from the quarries and built to give the quarrymen a shorter access from their homes". ==Literary associations==