This relatively simple traditional cache, which complements the multicache I placed near here some years ago, isn't in the middle of the River Don as it appears on Google Maps but is hidden on a little noticed iron bridge.
The first bridge here was built early in the 18th century and made of wood. It was replaced by the first iron bridge in 1815, which in turn was replaced by the present structure in 1841.
By this time, the Industrial Revolution was well underway and Sheffield was growing rapidly. In 1845, Bridgehouses railway station opened and the bridge became a popular short-cut for passengers. However, the bridge was washed away in the Great Flood of 1864 when the Dale Dyke burst.
The ironwork was replaced in 1921, supported by the original ramparts from 1841. However, over the years that followed the bridge became neglected, inaccessible and very rusty. Finally, in 2015, the Friends of Bridgehouses Footbridge were formed and approached Sheffield City Council with a view to restoring it. Yorkshire Water, whose water main still ran under the walkway, agreed to fund the project and so today the bridge is once again accessible (even if it still can't be used to cross the river!).