Lendal Bridge was the second of the three modern road bridges built over the River Ouse at York (the first being Ouse Bridge which has existed since as early as the ninth century). The bridge replaced an earlier ferry service, which had operated from Barker Tower, on the south-west bank, to Lendal Tower.

Lendal Tower has stood next to the River Ouse since about the 1300. It was originally part of the City’s defenses. In medieval times a great iron chain which was stored in the tower was pulled across the river to Barker Tower on the opposite bank.