Brent Eleigh Bridge, Suffolk
A single span cast iron bridge, the first by Sir William Cubitt, and a scheduled Ancient Monument.
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The Cock Inn, Brent Eleigh, CO10 9PB
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Visit websiteAt Brent Eleigh on the road from Hadleigh to Lavenham there is a bridge over the river Brett, dating from 1813. This is a single span cast iron bridge, the first to be built by (later Sir) William Cubitt, and one of the first in the country. It was built when he was employed by Ransomes of Ipswich.
It was bypassed by the modern road before it needed to be widened so, although un-cared for, it is complete and original. It deserves a little more attention from its carers.
By Road: In summer particularly it is partially concealed by the undergrowth, but it is close to a lay-by on A1141, half a mile north of the village on the north-east side of the road.
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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)
Skempton, Sir Alec (Ed.) Biographical Dictionary of Civil Engineers. Vol.1. 1500-1830. ISBN 07277 2939X (2002)
Forgotten Relics - Listed Bridges and Viaducts