Old Packhorse Bridge
Stow of Wedale, or simply Stow, is a Scottish village seven miles north of Galashiels. Population 620 (2004). The name “Stow” is thought to be derived from an Anglic word meaning either “holy place” or “fort” whilst “Wedale” is thought to be derived from the words “Wiche” meaning shrine and “Dahl” meaning valley. Another explanation is that “Wedale” means “Dale of Woe” commemorating, according to local folklore, a battle fought there by King Arthur. Wedale itself is an old name for the vale of the Gala Water, first attested in the 12th century.
There has been a church at Stow since the 7th century but the earliest example still visible today was built in the late 15th century on the site of the Church of St Mary which was consecrated on 3 November 1242. The church used today, St Mary of Wedale, was built in 1876 and features a 140 foot high clock tower. Our Lady’s Well is situated a mile south of the village and was rebuilt in 2000. A rare example of a packhorse bridge, built in the 1650s, can be found in Stow. Stow was an important place in the woollen and agricultural industries in the 19th century.
Old Packhorse Bridge belongs to the following groups:
EF Welcome Center, The Scots are Coming and United Kingdom Available for sale asGreeting Cards, Matted Prints, Laminated Prints, Mounted Prints, Canvas Prints and Framed Prints
Torfinn Johann...
Excellent shot. Great colours, composition, and reflections.
naturelover
Beautiful bridge-stunning colours and reflections-love it Jen x
midzing
stunning shot, well done
hilarydougill
wonderful capture and reflection, how on earth they didn’t topple over the top of these bridges is beyond me. wonderful picture Jen. hugs
Jen Whyte replied
I know … you’re not allowed to walk on it now but I don’t think I’d like to try anyway xox
SharonAHenson
Very nice.
Sensiworld
Beautiful shot, love the light and colours !
handprintz
Stunning shot Jen,great colours and info
jell
really a great shot jell
Irene Burdell
Nice shot and reflections.
lianne
Oh my I just love bridges and this is a beauty! Fabulous reflections Jen – and just an awesome image!
GerryMac
excellent capture Jen! love the composition!
HELUA
This is a wonderful shot, lovely light reflecting in the water!!! Thanks also for the
information, the part about the meaning of names I found very interesting!
There is a group called `Stream Crossings´ that would be interested in your image, I think!
Jen Whyte replied
Thank you my dear … I will check out the group you mention
loramae
Wonderful capture Jen! =)
Ranald
I knew it as soon as I saw the thumbnail. On a bit of a reive were you Jen? The name Gala is a derivation of the word for a full stream. The town of Galashiels is, therefore, the sheilings beside the full stream.
Jen Whyte replied
Yes Ranald I knew that but thanks for reminding me … my memory isn’t what it used to be … I lived in Fountainhall for 5 years and my son went to Gala Academy
NordicBlackbird
Gorgeous work, dear Jen! :)))
Love the compo, angle and light reflection! xx
Mariaan Krog A...
Built in 1650? Wow, awesome bridge & perfect pic Jen!
Jen Whyte replied
No-one is allowed to walk on it now and people seem to have forgotten it’s there … maybe a good thing as it will protect it from idiots who may try to cross it!
Tom Gomez
Lovely old bridge, great shot …
Yonmei
Lovely composition: beautiful bridge!
Andrew Ness
nice shot indeed Jen…....well done.
Barry Norton
Wonderful capture, beautiful scene
davey lennox
is this bridge not also called the bridge of dreams?.....im sure i read it on a info board when i was doon in stow :O)
davey lennox
or was it the bridge to heaven?.......been a rough weekend lol
Jen Whyte replied
I really don’t know Davey … I lived just up the road in Fountainhall and was often in Stow but you know how it is when you live in a place you don’t read notice-boards etc lol
Željko Malagurski
which one is better?
Mayina
Stunning!!
Catherine Veal
i just love this bridge Jen.x
dogfish
:-)
Freelancer
Amazing angle and cropping;)
Perfection!
Robin Brown
As soon as I saw this I knew the location Jen. Fished here many times as a wee boy. It also reminds me of the wee girl who was snatched from the village & saved by the quick thinking actions of the old gentleman who saw the abduction take place. The monster responsible now safely locked up & the wee girl safe & sound. No doubt grown up now,
Love the lighting & composition.