Difference between revisions of "Exe Bridge"
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The 1888/1890 O.S. map shows that the southernmost abutment of the Georgian bridge was built partly on the remains of the old bridge. Water still flowed under part of the old bridge, in the form of a large leat. A heavily-skewed bridge carried New Bridge Street over this leat, presumably constructed in the 1770s. A weir was constructed between these bridges. The road bridge survives, 60 yds to the west of the old bridge. | The 1888/1890 O.S. map shows that the southernmost abutment of the Georgian bridge was built partly on the remains of the old bridge. Water still flowed under part of the old bridge, in the form of a large leat. A heavily-skewed bridge carried New Bridge Street over this leat, presumably constructed in the 1770s. A weir was constructed between these bridges. The road bridge survives, 60 yds to the west of the old bridge. | ||
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. Steelwork contractors: [[Heenan and Froude]]; Decorative cast iron work: [[Walter Macfarlane and Co]]; Granite work: [[J. Easton and Son|John Easton and Son]]. | In 1905 the Georgian bridge was replaced by an attactive low-rise steel arch bridge with cast iron decorative features, designed by [[John Wolfe Barry|Sir John Wolfe Barry]]. This survived until the late 1960s, when it was demolished after being replaced by the present concrete bridges. Steelwork contractors: [[Heenan and Froude]]; Decorative cast iron work: [[Walter Macfarlane and Co]]; Granite work: [[J. Easton and Son|John Easton and Son]]. | ||
Fortunately, two ornate lamp standards from the bridge were saved,and these are now mounted further downstream on the quayside. See [http://demolition-exeter.blogspot.com/2011/01/edwardian-exe-bridge.html here] for an excellent illustrated account of the bridge, and of various other efforts to make Exeter less attaractive to visitors.<ref>[http://demolition-exeter.blogspot.com/2011/01/edwardian-exe-bridge.html] Blog: A Century of Destruction in an English Cathedral City: The Demolition of the Edwardian Exe Bridge: 2011 </ref> | |||
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Revision as of 09:14, 5 November 2021
in Exeter
This entry relates to bridges which crossed the River Exe to originally 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 tower of St Edmund's Church has partially survived.
Some of the arches are slightly skewed, making them early examples of the type.
Various types of stone were used, partly reflecting the repairs carried out during the long life of the bridge.
The problems of congestion led to the construction of a new bridge, having three masonry arches, 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.
The 1888/1890 O.S. map shows that the southernmost abutment of the Georgian bridge was built partly on the remains of the old bridge. Water still flowed under part of the old bridge, in the form of a large leat. A heavily-skewed bridge carried New Bridge Street over this leat, presumably constructed in the 1770s. A weir was constructed between these bridges. The road bridge survives, 60 yds to the west of the old bridge.
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 demolished after being replaced by the present concrete bridges. Steelwork contractors: Heenan and Froude; Decorative cast iron work: Walter Macfarlane and Co; Granite work: John Easton and Son.
Fortunately, two ornate lamp standards from the bridge were saved,and these are now mounted further downstream on the quayside. See here for an excellent illustrated account of the bridge, and of various other efforts to make Exeter less attaractive to visitors.[1]
1904 December 24th.[2]
THE EXE BRIDGE. LAST RIVET FIXED YESTERDAY. In the presence of large gathering of the officials and employees at the construction the new Exe Bridge, the last of the principal rivets of this handsome structure was, yesterday afternoon, driven in by Mr. F. G. A. Pinckney, the resident engineer for Sir J. Wolfe-Barry and Partners. Having completed this operation in a masterly style, and had it tested by Mr. G. Mason, Inspector of Works, Mr. Pinckney declared the rivet "thoroughly sound and well and truly driven." Three hearty cheers were then given for their most Gracious Majesties the King and Queen, and the gathering adjourned.
Among those present were : Mr. Tom W. R. Suggett (manager of the works for Mr. Woodman), and Messrs. Heean and Froude, with his staff, including Mr. W. Lloyd-Jones (assistant), Messrs. C. Washer, T. Howard, S. Barraclough (foremen), T. Foster (who assisted with the last rivet), H. Clifford, J. Patten, S. Farrington (rivetters), F. A. Down (chairman), C. Stone, E. Washer, Eli Murrain (granite fixers), A. Bennett, J. Carter, W. Lobb, J. Anton, etc., etc. Messrs. John Eastern and Son (supplying the granite work) was represented by P. Moyle; Messrs. Walter Macfarlane (ornamental ironworks), by W. Allen, W. Connell, J. Conton, and R. Hughes; and Mr. T. Davis (decorative painting), by A. Lilburn and T. Neale.
The Wikipedia entry is an excellent source of information on the old bridge.
See Also
Sources of Information
'The Exe Bridge, Exeter' by Stewart Brown, Exeter City Council, 2010