Perhaps the most loved original brick bridge on the canal here in Runcorn, which could be down to it being the closest to the town centre on the canal, making it one of the best kept examples. There is a nearby information board that tells us the history. "Bate's Bridge is a traditional brick built bridge and dates from the time when the canal was opened nearly 250 years ago. Many of the bridges on the canal from here to Manchester and Leigh are similar to Bate's. The bridge was probably designed by the Canal engineer James Brindley, and was not originally for public use, known as an occupational bridge. It was a crossing point for local farmers.