Wray Walks: Bridges and Wray Flood

In the past Wray has supported many small-scale industries including hatters, nailers’ workshops and oak swill basket makers. Felt hat making was based in several cottages close to the River Roeburn some of which were washed away by the Wray flood. This source of clean water was believed to have given the hats a superior finish. The wool was carded locally and fuel was readily available either as turf, coal or timber. As you walk up the main street you will see the flood gardens, commemorating the great flood of 1967, when houses were washed away from this site but luckily noone was killed. The mosaic by the river was designed by local artist Maggy Howarth and made by the community for a Millennium project. Wray school was built with money given by Captain Richard Pooley in 1684. He fought for the Roundheads in the civil war and after came home to Wray. As you can see from the plaque on the wall, Brian Holme (founder of the Law Society) also attended this school. Kitten Bridge or ‘Kitting Bridge’ over the River Roeburn was washed away.