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Summary

Ponsworthy Bridge recorded as being 'in decay' in 1664 (Henderson and Jervois, 1938). Structure recorded in List details as probably early 19th century with 17th century abutments; parapets rebuilt late 19th century or early 20th century. Granite rubble. Bridge is about 3m wide.

Location

Protected Status

• Listed Building (II) 1242424: PONSWORTHY BRIDGE

Other References/Statuses

• National Monuments Record: SX77SW4
• National Record of the Historic Environment: 445250
• Old DCC SMR Ref: SX77SW/13
• Old Listed Building Ref (II): 441814

Monument Type(s) and Dates

• ROAD BRIDGE (Founded, XVII to Mid 20th Century - 1664 AD (Pre) to 1950 AD (Between))

Full description

Henderson, C. + Jervoise, E., 1938, Old Devon Bridges, 34 (Monograph). SDV2296.

Ponsworthy bridge. In 1664 Ponsworthy Bridge was in decay. In the early 19th century it had a flat arch of 20 feet (6.096m) span and a roadway a little over 97.5 feet (2.27m) wide.

Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division, 1960, SX77SW4 (Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division Card). SDV301208.

Published as 'Ponsworthy bridge' at SX 7013 7389 on O.S. 6" 1906.
(17/05/1960) The bridge is at SX 7012 7388 and has the arch as described above. It has been refaced in modern times and the expanded ends of the parapet rebuilt. A stone in the northern parapet bears the date 1666 and appears genuine though it has been moved from the position shown on the O.S. 25" 1904, and has the inscription 1911 added to it.
Ground photograph AO/53/53/8.
The dimensions are the same as those of the early 19th century given by Henderson and Jervoise, indicating that any work done in 1911 was probably of a minor nature, possibly confined to rebuilding of parapets and approaches.

Beeson, M. M. R. + Masterman, M. C. H., 1979, An Archaeological Survey of Enclosed Land in Widecombe-In-The-Moor Parish, Vol V, 1022 (Report - Survey). SDV337078.

(07/06/1979) The date 1912 is inscribed on a stone in the bridge. It was restored at this time.

Department of Environment, 1986, Widecombe in the Moor, 141 (List of Blds of Arch or Historic Interest). SDV289221.

Ponsworthy Bridge. Probably early 19th century with 17th century abutments; parapets rebuilt late 19th century or early 20th century. Granite rubble. Bridge is about 3m wide. For full details see DOE list.

Ordnance Survey, 2016, MasterMap (Cartographic). SDV359352.

Historic England, 2016, National Heritage List for England, Accessed 17/05/2016 (National Heritage List for England). SDV359353.

WIDECOMBE-IN- PONSWORTH SX 77 SW THE-MOOR 6/240 Ponsworthy Bridge -GV II
Bridge. Probably early C19 with C17 abutments; parapets rebuilt late C19 or early C20. Granite rubble. The bridge is about 3 metres wide, consisting of a single, flattened elliptical arch with roughly-shaped voussoirs. Under the bridge the abutments are built of large dressed blocks of granite, and these probably survive from C17 or earlier. Parapets have copings of roughly-cut granite blocks. At the north-east end, built into the north-west parapet, is an old granite block, slightly mutilated. It appears to be a datestone, being carved with 3 sets of figures, one above the other; the top set seems to read 16, the second set 66, and the third set 1911. The Quarter Sessions Order Books (in Devon Record Office) mention regular payments for repairs to the bridge between 1840 and 1854.
Listing NGR: SX7012573887

Sources / Further Reading

Associated Monuments

Associated Finds: none recorded

Associated Events: none recorded

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