Monument Type(s):

• QUAY (Early 18th century to Late 19th century - 1700 AD to 1899 AD)
• BRIDGE (1792-5, Late 18th century - 1760 AD to 1799 AD)

Summary

A bridge over the river Severn, 1792-5, which is protected by Grade II* Listing. Built downstream of, and to replace, the Old Welsh Bridge (PRN 01471).

Related records

Associated Finds: None recorded

Associated Events

• ESA7197 - 2006-2007 Archaeological Investigations at the Old Welsh Bridge, Frankwell Quay, Shrewsbury by MOLA
• ESA9612 - 2021 DBA and building survey of Welsh Bridge, Frankwell by ARUP (Ref: 21/04060/FUL)

Description

Bridge. 1792-5. By Sir John Carline and John Tilley. Ashlar faced. 5 principal arches and a narrower towpath arch on north end. Segmental arches with voussoirs, divided by pilasters over cutwaters. Balustraded parapet with original cast-iron lamp fittings <2>

The New Welsh Bridge is discussed in a a report on excavations at the Theatre Severn site, 2005-2007, which recorded substantial structural remains associated with the northern end of the Old Welsh Bridge (PRN 01471), which this bridge was designed to replace. The construction of the New Welsh Bridge (1793-95) downstream of the Old Welsh Bridge (PRN 01471) caused many changes to the area. The northern end of the new bridge was protected by a massive masonry abutment, which may also may have served as barge quay for unloading building materials. A recently discovered map of the [Old] Welsh Bridge shows that the bridge and all the buildings occupying its northern end were still intact on the 5th February 1795. This plan also shows it was proposed to build a new quay between the two bridges on a more southerly alignment than the previous one. There is some architectural evidence for this structure. In c 1796 all of the Old Welsh Bridge was demolished apart from its northernmost arch and its flanking buildings and the remaining fragment of the old bridge became a cobbled cul-de-sac or alley way. ->

-> Excavations were carried out associated with the abutment at the northern end of the New Welsh Bridge and barge quay. <8>

Full report on the investigation at the Old Welsh Bridge, published in Transactions of the Shropshire Archaeological and Historical Society in 2015. Includes extensive reports on the background history of the site, tracing the development of the area from the 11th century through to the 21st century. Incorporates a number of specialist reports on the material from the site. ->

-> The documentary and archaeological evidence for the development of Frankwell Quay is discussed in detail. ->

-> By 1789 the Welsh Bridge was in poor structural condition, and Shrewsbury Corporation therefore decided to replace it. During 1793-5 the new Welsh Bridge was constructed some 60m downstream of the earlier bridge. Within the western part of the site the construction of a massive masonry abutment and barge quay were linked with the building of the new bridge. The construction of the new bridge was a catalyst for several major changes. Firstly, a huge area of the existing river inlet was reclaimed, moving the shoreline some 30-35m southwards. Secondly, the entire old bridge, apart from its northernmost arch (the dry arch) and the former west bastion, was demolished. The remains of the bridge and its approach road became a landlocked cul-de-sac. <9>

A design and heritage statement was prepared in association with proposed flood defence works at the N end of the bridge. <10>

Sources

Search results generated by the HBSMR Gateway from exeGesIS SDM Ltd.