The centrepiece of Knaresborough spans the River Nidd. It measures 300ft(91 metres) in length and 90ft(27.5 metres) in height. It was built to carry the first trains from Harrogate to York. The Viaduct was almost completed when on March 11th 1848 it collapsed during heavy rainfall. The local MP was showing a group around all narrowly escaped being crushed. The new bridge was redesigned and opened in 1851 at a cost of £10,000. There was great opposition to the Viaduct and its impact on the Gorge, it was described as 'One if the worst Railway crimes in all England'. It is now protected and Historic Grade ll listed. (Taken from information board)

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