there was a river crossing called snake hill ford across the calder – believed to have formed part of the roman route between wakefield and manchester. a wooden structure called rastrick bridge was recorded in 1275. the bridge was replaced by another built with timber donated by john hanson in 1514. hanson's son funded a stone replacement for this bridge in 1558. the river provided power for the flour milling industry and the textile mills. brighouse's industry received a boost through the construction of the calder and hebble navigation, started in 1757 by the engineer john smeaton. the town was incorporated in 1893.