"Boat", Ferry Lane
Allerton Ferry, 1940s
A very old and well used crossing of the River
Aire from Methley to Allerton Bywater and vice versa - gave short and easy
access to communities either side of the river.
The ferry is mentioned in 1592 and also in later records. This photo shows
the passenger boat being sculled (one oar) across the river by the ferryman,
for many years Mr. Henry Laurenson. In the foreground is the landing stage
at the Methley side of the river. On the opposite, Allerton, side is the Boat
Inn, used and patronised by bargemen. Moored at the Allerton side is the large,
flat-bottomed, chain-pulled barge which was used to carry barge horses (which
towed barges) across the river. This was because the tow-path changed over
here from the Allerton bank to the Methley bank.
Methley miners crossing to Allerton by the Ferry
Methley Miners crossing the River Aire in the flat-bottomed "horse boat".
The ferry was well used by the Methley miners who worked at the Allerton Bywater
pit - it considerably shortened their journey to work, avoiding the long cycle
ride round Castleford, as there was no public transport in the early days.
Men cycled from their homes in Methley to the ferry and they and their cycles
were taken across the river, usually in the flat-bottomed boat to give room
for them and their cycles, then, on reaching the Allerton bank they continued
their cycle journey to work. They paid 6d per week for the ferry transport.
On the Allerton bank the Boat Inn can be clearly seen, and moored
at the bankside, the small passenger boat.
As public road transport improved, the ferry became less and less used and
became unviable. Finally Hammond's United Breweries, who by that time owned
the ferry as well as Boat Inn, gave notice of plans to cease operating the
ferry in July 1959.
The Boat Inn is shown on 1752 plan of Castleford. In 1826 the Aire and Calder
Navigation Company commenced construction of the canal, which would increase
water traffic. The Aire is a boundary of Methley.
