Summary

Multi span bridge called Bradford Bridge.

Source: Historic England

Details

This record was the subject of a minor enhancement on 27 July 2015. This record has been generated from an "old county number" (OCN) scheduling record. These are monuments that were not reviewed under the Monuments Protection Programme and are some of our oldest designation records.

This monument includes a multi span bridge which crosses the River Tone between the settlements of Bradford-on-Tone and Tone Green. The bridge survives as a stone built structure with two pointed arches, a central pier with cutwaters to both sides, splayed abutments, restored parapets and an approximately 3m wide carriageway. The bridge was built in the 15th century, restored in 1698 (it bears a date stone on the southern parapet recording this fact) and again in the late 19th century. It carries vehicular traffic. The bridge is Listed Grade II*.

Source: Historic England

Reasons for Scheduling

Multi-span bridges are structures of two or more arches supported on piers. They were constructed throughout the medieval period for the use of pedestrians and packhorse or vehicular traffic, crossing rivers or streams, often replacing or supplementing earlier fords. During the early medieval period timber was used, but from the 12th century stone (and later brick) bridges became more common, with the piers sometimes supported by a timber raft. Most stone or brick bridges were constructed with pointed arches, although semicircular and segmental examples are also known. A common medieval feature is the presence of stone ashlar ribs underneath the arch. The bridge abutments and revetting of the river banks also form part of the bridge. Where medieval bridges have been altered in later centuries, original features are sometimes concealed behind later stonework, including remains of earlier timber bridges. The roadway was often originally cobbled or gravelled. The building and maintenance of bridges was frequently carried out by the church and by guilds, although landowners were also required to maintain bridges. From the mid-13th century the right to collect tolls, known as pontage, was granted to many bridges, usually for repairs; for this purpose many urban bridges had houses or chapels on them, and some were fortified with a defensive gateway. Despite several phases of restoration the multi span bridge called Bradford Bridge survives well and retains its original features and form.

Source: Historic England

Sources

Other
PastScape Monument No:-189269

Source: Historic England