Bradford on Avon Bridge
Region:
Red Wheel Site:
Transport Mode(s):
Address:
Postcode:
Visitor Centre:
Website:
Visit websiteThe Town Bridge's origins are Norman, from the 13th century; the two pointed arches between the Lock Up and the river bank are from this time.
It was widened by building a new bridge alongside in the 17th century. This was on the downstream side near the ancient ford. (Broad ford = Bradenforda in Anglo Saxon, = Bradford.) The ford was in use, or at least usable, until the start of the 20th century when the embankments were constructed
The Lock Up on the town bridge was built as a chapel when the bridge was widened in the mid 17th century. It was probably first used as a toll house, then later converted to be the lock up - an overnight cell for drunks or troublemakers.
By road: Located in the town centre.
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. (1932)
Sheldon, G. From Trackway to Turnpike. Oxfd. Univ. Press. (1928)
Taylor, C. Roads and Tracks of Britain. ISBN 0 460 04329 3 (1979)
Forgotten Relics - Listed Bridges and Viaducts