A bridge designed by HBPW has been re-dedicated to a World War One hero who saved the lives of 12 women following an explosion at a Leeds munitions factory in December 1916.
The William Parkin Bridge – originally known as Manston Lane Link Road Railway Bridge – spans the Leeds to Hull rail line and was instrumental in opening large tranches of residential development land to the east of the city.
However, it will take on a life beyond the nuts and bolts that now keep the impressive structure in place, thanks to its re-dedication to Parkin, a mechanic who selflessly clambered across rubble to one by one drag 12 women to safety following the tragic explosion.
The devastation at the purpose-built shell-filling factory in nearby Cross Gates, claimed the lives of 35 women, known locally as ‘Barnbow Lasses’, who were identified by name tags.
The accident was not made public, but death notices referencing the explosion did appear in local newspapers with full facts only emerging six years after the war ended.
Although many armaments production sites were pre-war factories that had been converted to manufacture munitions, Barnbow was built during World War One specifically to fill shells for supply to the Western Front. It became the most productive British shell factory and had its own railway sidings used to transport both staff and supplies.
The Barnbow Lasses earned around £3 per week but could also receive ‘danger money’ of up to £12 if they were handling explosives.
HBPW Partner, Jon Livesey, the engineer behind the original bridge scheme, said: “This is such a worthy dedication and the perfect tribute to a local hero.
“There is now a plaque in place that will serve as an on-going reminder to motorists and passers-by of the bravery of one man who was not only key to saving the lives of 12 women but preserving subsequent generations of their families.”
The bridge now plays its part in enabling residential traffic from the old Vickers site at Cross Gates – earmarked for houses – to access key highways in the area and will ultimately form part of the East Leeds Orbital Route
It has a 29m span and, whilst currently crossing two rail tracks, was designed with a further two in mind which may result from future upgrades of the Trans Pennine line.
Background courtesy of: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-50686908