Bridging the Wreake

Hoby Bridge over the River Wreake. This river formed part of the Melton Mowbray Navigation which from 1797 brought barges to Melton from the River Soar via twelve broad locks. Initially very profitable the navigation declined with the building of railways in the locality and was abandoned in 1877. There is an active society campaigning to preserve what remains and with a long term aim of restoring navigation to Melton Mowbray and even onwards to Oakham. This bridge has seen extensive restoration and is now in good condition.