More information : NZ 2755 4242 Elvet Bridge (NAT)
NZ 2752 4243 St. James's Chapel (NR) (Site of)
NZ 2756 4239 St. Andrew's Chapel (NR) (Site of) (1)
Elvet Bridge is probably mid 14th century. On the downstream (south) side and east of the pier on which the remains of St. Andrew's Chapel (founded c1280) stand, are a series of semicircular arches not bonded to the main structure, possibly part of Bishop Pusey's 12th century bridge. A second chapel, of St. James (mentioned 1314) stood at the western end of the bridge. In 1805 the bridge was widened by 18 ft with semicircular arches on the upstream (north) side (2).
Grade 1 (3)
The description in (2) is incorrect. The widening of 1805 was by pointed arches and not semicircular ones. The parapet of the old portion is modern but the five cutwaters are probably original. On the south side of the east end of the bridge is a single very weathered stone arch which probably represents the remains of the 12th century bridge. Over the south side of this arch, and incorporated in a modern building is a fragment of badly weathered stone walling, probably representing the remains of St. Andrew's Chapel. There is no visible trace of St. James's Chapel. (4)
As described by Authority 4. See Ground photographs. FAS/NR 2/6 & 7 from the NE. FAS/NR 2/8 from SSW. Published Survey (1:1250) Correct. (5)
Elvet Bridge. Early 13th century incorporating late 12th century
work; renewed after 1771 flood and widened in 1805. The south-east arch supported the Medieval chapel of St. Andrew, part of which may survive under No 97 Elvet Bridge. Grade 1. (6a)
Nos 96 and 97, Elvet Bridge. Two houses, now a shop. 17th and early 18th century on the site of the Medieval chapel of St. Andrew, part of which may incorporated in the fabric. Grade 2. (6)
The site was visited by RCHME during a survey of scheduled
monuments in County Durham.
Elvet Bridge has been bypassed and is now used almost exclusively by pedestrians. Only nine arches are now visible; whatever other arches existed have been buried beneath buildings which encroach on the east and west sides. There is no trace of St. James's Chapel. According to Authority 6a, a portion of St. Andrew's Chapel and the Chaplain's lodgings can be seen above the cutwater at NZ 2756 4239 (at the site
of the chapel shown on OS 1:1250 map of 1972); some extremely weathered sandstone walling is visible here but insufficient detail remains to enable classification with certainty as a chapel. (7) |