James Herriot Way

Bainbridge

Bainbridge is a very attractive village, with a spacious green and an 18th century bridge over what purports to be England’s shortest river. The Bain comes down from Semerwater via picturesque limestone waterfalls to join the Ure, a journey of two miles. Semerwater is dammed by a glacial moraine, although local legend says it rose to swallow a village whose inhabitants refused night-time lodging to a passing beggar. The area is now a site of special scientific interest. In a Roman fort on nearby Brough Hill, 500 soldiers were garrisoned and kept busy by the local Brigantians. Across the fells from the west the Roman road from Lancashire is clearly visible. A forest horn is blown in the village at 9pm every day throughout the autumn and winter months. In its day, no doubt it helped late travellers find their way through the dark and hilly woods into the village. The 19th century Methodist chapel and the Friends Meeting House are still active, though the Independent Church has been converted into houses. The Rose and Crown was a staging post on the 18th century turnpike road from Richmond to Lancaster.