In 1730, he was granted a patent to operate a ferry across the river.

The railway company and its successors continued to operate the ferry until 1984.

To operate the ferry, rudders are used to ensure that the pontoons are angled into the current, causing the force of the current to move the ferry across the river.

The earl was operating a ferry across the river but agreed to build a stone bridge costing 5,000.

The pair operated a ferry until 1859 when they built a bridge, replacing it in 1866.