Many thanks to
United Utilities for facilitating this camera's location. There is a misconception among some native Cumbrians that there are multiple Eden Bridges, but in reality, there is only one. The area has always been bustling with activity, as noted by Helen Skelton. In the past, horse-drawn carriages and farmers leading their horses to Carlisle Station dominated the scene. Anecdotal evidence suggests that Eden Bridge played a crucial role in the social and economic development of Carlisle. George Skelton, who worked on a stud farm in Tarraby, recalls crossing this bridge multiple times a day. He vividly remembers hauling sawdust from Carrs biscuit factory and walking foals to Carlisle Station.Around 1940, Eden Bridge was not only frequented by local farmers but also served as the site of a cattle market, which occupied the current location of the Sands Leisure Centre. The market primarily catered to beef farmers and attracted many Irish visitors who arrived in the county via Silloth. In those days, sealing a deal with a simple handshake was common practice, a tradition that might seem distant to some nowadays. However, the history of Eden Bridge stretches back even further.A map from 1685, archived in the county office, reveals that there used to be two separate Eden Bridges in Carlisle, with a piece of land known as the Sands dividing them. County records repeatedly called for the repair and reconstruction of the bridges throughout the eighteenth century, indicating that they had suffered damage from floods over the years. Maps from 1821 show that the two separate bridges had been replaced by a single structure.The current Eden Bridge, with its five towering arches, was completed in 1815, designed by Sir Robert Smirke, the architect renowned for his work on Lowther Castle, Appleby Cloisters, and Whitehaven Market Hall, among other notable structures. The bridge's width has been doubled since its original construction, with a widening project undertaken in 1932. Today, the bridge accommodates four lanes of traffic, a cycle path, and footpaths on each side, making it a bustling thoroughfare. Commuters travel into the city center, while others use the bridge to access the M6 north of Carlisle or reach the Kingstown Industrial Estate. Pedestrians include students heading to the arts institute in Stanwix and walkers making their way to Rickerby Park north of the river.Attempting to lead a horse over Eden Bridge amidst today's traffic would be considered quite risky. However, there is still plenty of agricultural activity surrounding the bridge. To the right and north of the bridge, one can often spot a farmer and their sheepdog herding sheep in Rickerby Park.The Farson streaming webcam is strategically positioned to monitor river levels and potential flooding on the A7 and its surrounding area, specifically focusing on Eden Bridges.
