An example of Victorian cast iron technology at its best, Lendal Bridge was finally completed in 1863 by Mr Thomas Page (after an earlier ill-fated attempt by a Mr Dredge). The bridge was built to provide better access to the centre of York from the railway station, which at that time, lay inside the city walls at Toft Green. The project was championed by George Hudson through delays, wrangles over finances and opposition from the Leeman family, the local ferry owners.