Sweeping over a gorge on the River Nidd in North Yorkshire, the Knaresborough Viaduct connects the towns of Knaresborough and Harrogate. Architectural historian Nikolaus Pevsner called it 'one of the most notable railway crimes in England' - but we disagree! This impressive 19th century viaduct has something warlike about it: the piers are like fortified towers complete with arrow-slits, and its crenelated walls echo the ruined walls of Knaresborough Castle, built in the fourteenth century on the cliffs above the river.
The first viaduct that was built on this site in 1848 collapsed before it was meant to be completed. This design shows the replacement which opened in 1851 and has stood the test of time: to this day, it still carries trains across the river, like the one shown here! On the river, a rowboat passes beneath the arches, and in the background is St John the Baptist Church, its square tower and pointed spire looming over the rooftops. A beautiful tea towel for railway buffs and Yorkshirians alike!
