Elvet Bridge

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Elvet Bridge is a mediaeval masonry arch bridge across the River Wear, in Durham, England. It is a Grade I listed building.

[edit] History

Elvet Bridge in 2007. Photograph taken from the "Boathouse" now "Chase Bar"
Elvet Bridge in 2007. Photograph taken from the "Boathouse" now "Chase Bar"
Elvet Bridge 1829, drawn by W. Westall
Elvet Bridge 1829, drawn by W. Westall

The bridge was constructed in 1160 [1]during the time of Bishop Hugh de Puiset (1153–95).[2][3] Hugh Du Puiset, also know as "Bishop Pudsy" was a powerful Prince Bishop, who instigated a significant amount of building work in northern England.[4] The bridge has a total of ten arches.[3] There is however, some dispute over how many arches exist.[4] Sixteenth century antiquarian John Leland believed the bridge had 14 arches, but this has never been proven.[4] The river flows through four full arches - the remaining are dry or semi-dry.[4] Ten arches have been identified, others may be hidden beneath the street on the Elvet side or beneath Souter Peth.[4] A key reason for the construction of the bridge was because of the urban development taking place in what was the then Elvet borough.[4]

The bridge was repaired extensively under Bishop Fox between 1495-1501, and again in 1601.[3] In 1771 a flood badly damaged the bridge.[2]

In the mediaeval period Elvet Bridge was guarded by a gate and towers, and a number of buildings were situated upon bridge. This included two chapels which stood at either end (one of which was later replaced with a House of Correction (Prison). The chapel upon the eastern, Elvet, side of the bridge has survived partially intact to the present day and is particulaly visible when viewed from the riverbanks to the south. A number of buildings incorporate part of the bridge structure, and 18 Elvet Bridge is also grade I listed as a result.

The bridge has seven spans, the longest of which is 6-10m long.

 
Crossings of the River Wear
Upstream
New Elvet Bridge
 Elvet Bridge
 Downstream
Kingsgate Bridge

[edit] References

  1. ^ A Brief History of Durham
  2. ^ a b "Power of the Prince Bishops", British Library. Retrieved on 2007-04-30. 
  3. ^ a b c Margot Johnson, (2004). Durham: Historic and University City. Jarrold. ISBN 0946105162. 
  4. ^ a b c d e f David Simpson, (2006). Durham City. Business Education. ISBN 9781901888508. 
This article about a bridge in the United Kingdom is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.
 This article about a County Durham building or structure is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.