Denton Island

Denton Island is not a natural feature, it is the result of major engineering works carried out in the 1860s to straighten the course of the River Ouse.

Before this work was carried out the river flowed through a meander that is now the creek to the west side of the island.  It then curved back again in a second meander to the east of the river, where the Railway Quay, with its large engineering sheds, now stands on reclaimed land.

Until the river was straightened there was a crossing approximately where the bridge from North Way onto the island is located.  Originally there was a small ferry, and perhaps also a ford at low tide until the first of Newhaven’s bridges was built here in 1784.  This was a cantilever or drawbridge built of wood and tolls were charged to cross it (see below). The two halves lifted up to allow vessels to proceed upstream to Lewes, which at the time was a port in its own right.

 The first bridge across what was then the main course of the River Ouse

Tolls bridge charges To cross the bridge with a ‘Score (20) of hogs, calves, sheep or lambs – 1s 8d (8.5p) For coach, chariot, hearse or other with four wheels  - 2s (10p) And for every foot passenger – a half penny (0.2p)

Tolls ceased to be charged when the first bridge over the newly created cut was opened in 1866.  The penny used to pay the last toll, at noon on 22 December 1866, is now in Newhaven Museum.

In 1883 a   wooden bridge and sluice was built, replacing the original bridge (picture 2). In 1910 this was replaced by brick built bridge (picture 3) and todays concrete bridge was built in 1983.

The bridge built in 1883.  Catts Cottages on the Island can be seen on the right.

The bridge built in 1910.  Where track behind the lady feeding the ducks is standing is now the busy two lane North Way!

Newhaven Historical Society have kindly provided the information and photographs. To find out more information, please visit Newhaven Historical Society