Survey Data
Reg No
40404006
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Technical
Previous Name
Rathborne's Bridge
Original Use
Bridge
In Use As
Bridge
Date
1760 - 1800
Coordinates
270225, 287017
Date Recorded
26/07/2012
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Triple-arch rubble stone road bridge, built c.1780, spanning Barora River. Humped tarmacadam deck with random-coursed rubble stone parapet with Scotch coping of flat stones. Random rubble-stone spandrels over segmental arches, having cut-stone voussoirs of varying block size. Cement grouted soffits over random-coursed rubble abutments now encased in concrete. Rubble stone V-cutwaters, copings to central pair now overgrown, all with recent concrete footings. Concrete infill to beds of outer arches. Rubble stone wing walls.
Appraisal
A good example of a well composed medium-sized stone bridge, one of a number crossing the Barora River and forming the boundary with county Meath. The constructiion of this bridge is typical of rural bridges funded under the grand jury system in the eighteenth century, using rubble-stone barrel and dressed arch rings, and is the same as that employed at Corlat Bridge, Christy's Bridge and County Bridge in the same locality, indicating that all three belong to the same road project. The composition of the design is balanced and includes skilled stonework in the arches and supports to the bridge. The contrast between the treatment of stonework adds to the character of the surrounding landscape and particularly the distinctive intact parapet which is visible from the road. The structural precision of the arches contributes to understanding historic construction methods and attests to the skill of traditional builders.