Whaddon Footbridge (Wiltshire)
1.5 miles NNE of Hilperton, which is on the north eastern outskirts of Trowbridge.
This small footbridge carries a footpath across Semington Brook near its confluence with the River Avon.
It was originally a wrought iron bridge of very light construction, but has evidently been rebuilt, probably twice. The forged parapet ironwork is almost certainly original, while the arch ribs and tie bars are later replacements. Some of the deck slats are clearly older than others, being pitted by corrosion and having smaller rivets. The outer arch ribs appear to be relatively new, and bolted to the inside of these are lighter angle iron of earlier date (but almost certainly not original). The brick and concrete piers are of relatively recent construction.
The construction of the older ironwork would not be inconsistent with a date of c.1800. Forged brackets supporting the modern tie bars are probably original, suggesting that the bridge has always been of the bowstring type.
Access: Follow Whaddon Lane from Hilperton to Whaddon Church. A footpath accessed by a high style passes behind the church and leads to the footbridge. Continuing north, the path passes the site of a railway bridge over the River Avon, before reaching a fine packhorse bridge.