Tyne Bridge
The name Pons Aelius probably indicates the existence of a bridge across the Tyne in the region of the fort of Newcastle. The location of the Roman bridge remains uncertain, although it is widely believed to be on or in the vicinity of the site of the modern Swing Bridge.[1]
The medieval Tyne Bridge lay on the line of the Swing Bridge, probably late 12th century in origin. It is said to have been 560 feet, or 12 arches, long of which 3 had become cellars by the 18th century. At the south end was a tower with portcullis and drawbridge, in the centre a tower with portcullis, and at the north end the magazine and a 17th century gatetower. Houses were also built on the bridge, though just when is uncertain. The Blue Stone marked the boundary on the bridge between Newcastle and the Palatinate of Durham. The bridge was demolished after being damaged in the flood of 1771. One complete land arch survives under the Swing Bridge and the east face of a second may exist in the basement of Watergate Buildings. The surviving arch is described as 44 feet wide with a span of 21 feet.[2]
The replacement bridge, built on the same line and only slightly higher and wider than its predecessor, opened in 1781 but was, in turn, replaced by the Swing Bridge.