Historic England research records

Historic England Research Records

Aylesford Bridge
Hob Uid: 415410
Location : Kent Tonbridge and Malling Aylesford
Grid Ref : TQ7293058930
Summary : Aylesford Bridge was built in the 14th century to cross the Medway at Aylesford. It carries the B 2011 between Ditton and Standling. The bridge is constructed from Kentish ragstone and formerly had eight pointed arches without ribs. However, in 1824 the two centre arches were replaced by a single arch of 60 feet span. The outer 6 arches are pointed and double-chamfered with stone dressings. Sloping buttresses to piers with cut-waters below on rebuilt concrete foundations, revealed only at low tide. The bridge is Scheduled and Listed Grade I.
More information : [Centred at TQ 72935893] The bridge at Aylesford is built of Kentish ragstone and is probably of the 14th century. The original arches are pointed and have no ribs: the fine great sweeping central arch is segmental and replaced two of the original arches in 1824. (1) Sim. inf. re date and construction. There was a bridge here in the 14th c. but possibly only a wooden one - a grant of pontage for it was issued in 1331. In 1370 it was said to be 'broken'. (2) Additional ref. to bridge. There was a ford here of great importance and the Normans erected a small castle to defend it. [See TQ 75 NW 24] (3) Identifies a ford at Aylesford based on terminal of name. (4) There are no records of the building of the bridge. The river was probably easily fordable at this point. The bridge is narrow with recesses for foot-passengers. Early 15th c. (5) Fine 14th c. bridge. (6) Built c. 1370. (7) Old Gothic bridge. (8) The ford was a short distance above the bridge at Aylesford and was paved with heavy stones which have been dredge up in living memory. (9) The bridge is as described above, and is in excellent condition. There are cut-waters both up and down steam with pedestrian refuges above. The bridge averages 4.0m in width between the centres of the parapets. A 25" survey has been carried out. GPs A0/59/7/3 from south west. GPs AO/59/7/4 from south west. (10) [TQ 72945893] Bridge [NR] (11) TQ 72935893. Bridge at Aylesford. Well preserved and in normal use. Published 1:2500 survey correct. (12) Aylesford Bridge (formerly listed as the Bridge). Grade I. C14. [For full description see list]. (13) The bridge is the first of the series of medieval bridges over the Medway and is built of ragstone. It is probably 14th century and has an exceptionally wide cental arch, the result of later alteration. Two refuges each side of the road project on buttresses like pulpits. (14)

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Source details : Mare. 1954. The Bridges of Britain, 68
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Source details : Jervoise E. 1930. The Ancient Bridges of the South of England, 37
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Source Number : 11
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Source details : 1:10000 1974
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Source Number : 12
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Source details : 19/03/1986
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Source Number : 13
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Source details : Tonbridge and Malling 25/02/1987
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Source Number : 14
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Source details : Perry JT. 1907. Memorials of Old Kent, 329
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Vol(s) : 62, 1905

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Source Number : 10
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Source details : 20/02/1964
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Monument Types:

Monument Period Name : Medieval
Display Date : C14
Monument End Date : 1399
Monument Start Date : 1300
Monument Type : Road Bridge
Evidence : Structure

Monument Period Name : Post Medieval
Display Date : Altered in 1824
Monument End Date : 1824
Monument Start Date : 1824
Monument Type : Road Bridge
Evidence : Structure

Components and Objects:

Related Records from other datasets:

External Cross Reference Source : Scheduled Monument Legacy (County No.)
External Cross Reference Number : KE 19
External Cross Reference Notes :

External Cross Reference Source : Listed Building List Entry Legacy Uid
External Cross Reference Number : 179262
External Cross Reference Notes :

External Cross Reference Source : National Monuments Record Number
External Cross Reference Number : TQ 75 NW 26
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Related Warden Records :

Related Activities :

Associated Activities :
Activity type : FIELD OBSERVATION (VISUAL ASSESSMENT)
Start Date : 1964-02-20
End Date : 1964-02-20

Associated Activities :
Activity type : FIELD OBSERVATION (VISUAL ASSESSMENT)
Start Date : 1983-01-01
End Date : 1994-12-31

Associated Activities :
Activity type : FIELD OBSERVATION (VISUAL ASSESSMENT)
Start Date : 1986-03-19
End Date : 1986-03-19

Historic England Research Records

Aylesford Bridge