Bideford Long Bridge spans the rapid flowing River Torridge. It dates from Medieval times and has 24 arches, all of different sizes. The original bridge, begun c. 1280, was made of oak and had a chapel at each end. Tradition has it that Bishop Quivel of Exeter was granted indulgences to raise the money for its cost. Loose stone was placed around the timber footings, forming scour protection known as stirling, some of which is still visible today.
Later additions have included widening the bridge to provide a footpath. In Victorian times stone parapets were replaced with cast iron and these were, in turn, replaced with masonry in the 1920's.
By Road: In the centre of Bideford.
Addison, Sir William. The Old Roads of England ISBN 0 7134 1714 5 (1980)
Albert, W. The Turnpike Road System in England 1663- 1840. Camb. Univ. Press. ISBN O 5210 3391 8 (1972)
Harrison, David. The Bridges of Medieval England. Oxford. ISBN 978-0-19-922685-6 (2004)
Hindle, P. Roads and Tracks for Historians. ISBN 1 86077 182 3 (2001)
Hindley, G. History of the Roads. Peter Davies. ISBN 0 8065 0290 8 (1971)
Jackson, Gibbard. From Track to Highway. (1935)
Jervoise, E. Ancient Bridges of England. Architectural Press. (1931)
Sheldon, G. From Trackway to Turnpike. Oxfd. Univ. Press. (1928)
Taylor, C. Roads and Tracks of Britain. ISBN 0 460 04329 3 (1979)
Whiting, F.E. The Long Bridge of Bideford through the Centuries. (1997)
