Difference between revisions of "Exe Bridge"
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A multi-arched masonry bridge was built here c.1200. The course of the river was altered, and nine of the original 17 or 18 arches have survived. It might be thought that the remains of the bridge would be regarded as a valuable part of Exeter's historic heritage. In fact the remains were stabilised, and the immediate area was landscaped. However, the location is by no means appealing to visitors, not least because it is surrounded by busy roads constructed in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The changes included the construction of two concrete bridges located east and west of the line of the c.1200 bridge. | A multi-arched masonry bridge was built here c.1200. The course of the river was altered, and nine of the original 17 or 18 arches have survived. It might be thought that the remains of the bridge would be regarded as a valuable part of Exeter's historic heritage. In fact the remains were stabilised, and the immediate area was landscaped. However, the location is by no means appealing to visitors, not least because it is surrounded by busy roads constructed in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The changes included the construction of two concrete bridges located east and west of the line of the c.1200 bridge. | ||
Over time, | Over time, houses, shops, a church and a chapel were constructed on the old bridge. | ||
The problems of congestion led to the construction of a new bridge, designed by Joseph Dixon. Work started in 1770, but flooding caused major damage in 1775. Work started again, and the bridge was completed in 1778. It had three masonry arches. | |||
In 1905 the Georgian bridge was replaced by an attactive low-rise steel arch bridge with cast iron decorative features, designed by Sir John Wolfe Barry. This survived until the late 1960s, when it was replaced by the present concrete bridges. | |||
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== Sources of Information == | == Sources of Information == | ||
<references/> | <references/> | ||
'The Exe Bridge, Exeter' by Stewart Brown, Exeter City Council, 2010 | |||
{{DEFAULTSORT: }} | {{DEFAULTSORT: }} | ||
[[Category: Town - Exeter]] | [[Category: Town - Exeter]] | ||
[[Category: Bridges and Viaducts]] | [[Category: Bridges and Viaducts]] | ||
Revision as of 09:19, 4 November 2021
in Exeter
This entry relates to bridges which crossed the River Exe to link with the West Gate of Exeter's city walls.
The river had often been fordable by horses at this location, and the Romans may have built a bridge here.
A multi-arched masonry bridge was built here c.1200. The course of the river was altered, and nine of the original 17 or 18 arches have survived. It might be thought that the remains of the bridge would be regarded as a valuable part of Exeter's historic heritage. In fact the remains were stabilised, and the immediate area was landscaped. However, the location is by no means appealing to visitors, not least because it is surrounded by busy roads constructed in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The changes included the construction of two concrete bridges located east and west of the line of the c.1200 bridge.
Over time, houses, shops, a church and a chapel were constructed on the old bridge.
The problems of congestion led to the construction of a new bridge, designed by Joseph Dixon. Work started in 1770, but flooding caused major damage in 1775. Work started again, and the bridge was completed in 1778. It had three masonry arches.
In 1905 the Georgian bridge was replaced by an attactive low-rise steel arch bridge with cast iron decorative features, designed by Sir John Wolfe Barry. This survived until the late 1960s, when it was replaced by the present concrete bridges.
See Also
Sources of Information
'The Exe Bridge, Exeter' by Stewart Brown, Exeter City Council, 2010