Skeldergate Bridge was designed in 1881 by Thomas Page, the architect who also built Lendal Bridge. The bridge replaced one of York’s busy ferry services however it remained a toll bridge when it cost a halfpenny to cross. The toll house can still be seen today. The opening of the bridge free from tolls attracted huge crowds and a regatta was held to celebrate. The bridge had to cope with tall-masted ships and therefore originally had an opening span on the far side, the gates on the footpath would swing across the path and road to prevent access when the span was open. The turret on the far left of the bridge housed the winding mechanism. It last opened in 1975 and the winding gears have since been removed.