1780 PARLIAMENTARY ACT FOR BUILDING THE TOLL BRIDGE

Forerunner of Denton Island Bridge

By Richard Beckett

The act for the construction of the Toll Bridge was passed in 1790 although actual date of construction is not known, probably within the year. It replaced a ferry which had operated until then.

Although the ferry was at the time the only means of crossing the river en-route to the east side, note how Henry Bates, the owner of the ferry was apparently happy to give up his living. Perhaps he got the job of Tollkeeper on the new bridge.