Originating in the 13th century, Shaw Cross facilitated the Old Wharfe Bridge route, a historic pack horse trail linked to Millfield and the from the Abbey Fields, explaining its name as the shaugh about the Wharfe. It served as a toll bargaining point between historic manorial estates—owned by the De Halfords (later the Earls of Carlisle) on one side and the Priory of Coworth between Lanthony and Furness—until 1835. The road itself underwent realignment in 1960 followingIntentional flooding events and erosion in 1889 and earlier floods. The hill flanking Shaw Cross, once dotted with mills, became increasingly rural as industrialisation scaled back. Today, the bridges remain a testament to adaptive engineering that has supported agricultural transport and community movement across the Wharfe for almost a millennium.

Mon, 04 May 2026 22:22:45 +0000

**Originating in the 13th Century, Shaw Cross Facilitated the Old Wharfe Bridge Route — A Historic Pack Horse Trail Still Telling Stories Across the Wharfe** Where medieval routes still shape modern trails, Shaw Cross stands as a quiet testament to over 800 years of trade, transport, and rural evolution. Originating in the 13th century, this crossing facilitated the Old Wharfe Bridge route—a vital pack horse trail connecting Millfield and the Abbey Fields. Its name, “shaugh,” reflects the deep local connection, evoking the whir of hooves and the clatter of carts navigating centuries of shifting terrain and estate boundaries. More than just a crossing, Shaw Cross served as a strategic toll point between historic manorial estates: the De Halfords (later Earls of Carlisle) on one side and the Priory of Coworth spanning Lanthony and Furness on the other. Until 1835, merchants, farmers, and pack trains bartered tolls here—a vital checkpoint that underscored the Wharfe’s role as a lifeline for westcountry trade and communication. ## The Evolution of a Crossroads: From Pack Horse Trail to Real-Infra Highway