Monument Type(s):

• BRIDGE (1769, Late 18th century to 20th century (inter-war) - 1769 AD to 1926 AD)

Summary

A bridge over the River Severn built in 1769, rebuilt in 1926, which is protected by Grade II* Listing.

Related records

Associated Finds: None recorded

Associated Events: None recorded

Description

Bridge over River Severn. 1769, rebuilt 1926. Original design by John Gwynn. Ashlar. 7-arch span, with pilasters and cutwaters between the arches. Rusticated voussoirs to shallow segmental arches, and stressed keystones with shell motifs. Central arch emphasised with dolphins carved on the cutwaters, and a head of Neptune on the keystone. Balustraded parapet with solid panels over each pilaster carrying ball finials, and over the centres of the arches, carrying cast-iron lamp standards. Central panel has pediment, with date and Salop arms on outer face, inscribed with details of construction and reconstruction on inner face. Curved flight of steps to north west leads from road to river level <2>

Photographed during aerial survey in 2019. <8>

Ward says of the English or Stone Bridge, Shrewsbury, 'the first of these structures of which there is any record stood for some 700 years. Actually there were two bridges, with seventeen arches; six of the arches comprised the Stone Bridge which spanned the river from Wyle Cop to Coleham Head, whilst the remaining eleven arches constituted the Abbey Bridge which
extended from Coleham Head for a considerable distance in the direction of the Abbey Church'.
Both bridges were demolished when a new bridge was built in 1769-74. This was taken down and entirely rebuilt in 1926-27.
Ward, who was able to fix the relative positions of the old and new bridges says, the town side of the Stone Gate coincided exactly with the centre of the middle arch of the English Bridge. He acknowledges the use made of Thos. Phillips' Ms. which is to be found in the Free Library, Corporation of Shrewsbury official documents, etc.
The monks built the Abbey Bridge, and it is reasonable to assume, says Ward, that they did so while engaged in building the Abbey itself. At that time the mill-race, an arm of the Meole (or Rea) Brook, discharged itself into the river at a point where the Technical College now stands, with the result that the locality now known as Coleham Head was converted into an island.
The Stone Bridge, which spanned the river proper, was no doubt erected at or about the same time as the Abbey Bridge. The six arches included the drawbridge which was converted into an arch in 1732. The Stone Gate on the bridge formed the easterly entrance into the town. It fell in 1545 and wrought stones, probably the remains of some religious building, were found in the walls. <9>

Sources

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