Penrith - Eamont Bridge

Many thanks to the folks at Garth House for their invaluable assistance in facilitating the strategic placement of this camera and generously funding its installation. The village itself derives its name from the bridge that spans the River Eamont, marking the boundary between the historic counties of Cumberland and Westmorland. Among the notable dwellings in the village is the "Welcome Inn," formerly known as the "Welcome into Cumberland Inn." Situated along the A6 road, the village was notorious for being a bottleneck prior to the opening of the M6 motorway, primarily due to the narrow bridge over the River Eamont, which to this day is regulated by traffic lights. Additionally, the River Mount in the vicinity is prone to flooding.To address the concerns associated with flooding and road conditions, a strategically positioned Farson streaming webcam is employed, offering real-time monitoring of water levels and road conditions in the area.Of significant historical importance, the Grade I listed bridge crosses the former county boundary between Cumberland and Westmorland, serving as one of the oldest bridges in the country that remains in daily use. Although it likely dates back to the 15th century, the bridge underwent widening during the 19th and 20th centuries. Within the village, there are two ancient sites of note. The first is an earthwork known as King Arthur's Round Table, while the second, Mayburgh Henge, is remarkably well-preserved and lies between the rivers Lowther and Eamont. Mayburgh Henge was constructed using stones sourced from one or both of these rivers. The location between the rivers likely held strategic importance when it was built approximately 3,000 to 4,000 years ago, providing protection against potential invasions. Both sites enjoy the protection of Historic England. Another henge, located in close proximity to King Arthur's Round Table, has unfortunately been erased over time. Legend has it that a cup was discovered at the center of the King Arthur's Round Table Henge. The gateway of Mayburgh Henge aligns with King Arthur's Round Table, suggesting it served as a convenient meeting place for countless millennia. Several additional henges can be found in the surrounding area, with at least two visible towards the northeast, in the direction of Brougham. Notably, the village boasts a splendid example of vernacular architecture at its center.On July 12, 927, Eamont Bridge witnessed a historic gathering of kings from across Britain, as documented in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, as well as the histories of William of Malmesbury and John of Worcester. Present at this momentous occasion were Athelstan, Constantín mac Áeda, Owain ap Dyfnwal, Hywel Dda, and Ealdred I of Bernicia. It is widely regarded as the foundational event for the Kingdom of England.