Survey Data
Reg No
30401611
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Archaeological, Architectural, Technical
Original Use
Bridge
In Use As
Bridge
Date
1650 - 1860
Coordinates
139439, 258779
Date Recorded
10/10/2009
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Multiple-arch road bridge, built c.1700, over River Clare and flood plain, approximately 200 metres long, with larger segmental arch inserted in mid-nineteenth century. Rubble limestone walls of small stones, and having small round-headed arches. Larger arch of built of squared rubble. End arches of seven middle arches in flood plain have triangular-profile piers to one side. Medieval tower house and earthworks to west of bridge, suggesting that core of bridge might be medieval.
Appraisal
This bridge is exceptionally long and crosses the flood plain of the River Clare. Although difficult to date, the bridge may be at least seventeenth century, if not containing medieval fabric. The piers are unusual and apparently not pedestrian refuges. The ruined tower house would have guarded the bridge, and the latter is likely to have served a settlement, now only surviving as earthworks.