Tilford Packhorse Bridge
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Tilford Green, Tilford, Farnham, Surrey, GU10 2BU
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One of the best-preserved medieval packhorse bridges in England, this is a designated Ancient Monument, and one of two in Tilford.
Between Godalming and Farnham, there were at one time 14 medieval crossings of the river Wey. Six have survived. They are Eashing, Unstead, Somerset, Elstead and two at Tilford. They are built in the local undressed Bargate stone.
Two arms of the River Wey meet at Tilford, Surrey, and an ancient bridge spans each arm, Tilford Packhorse Bridge and Tilford West Bridge. The bridges were almost certainly constructed by the monks of nearby Waverley Abbey, which was built in 1128. It was the first Cistercian abbey in England, and was dissolved in 1536.
The 13th-century Tilford West Bridge has been restored and Tilford New Bridge constructed alongside to replace a semi-permanent crossing built by the army in 1941. The bridges form an important local link and during construction a temporary footbridge was constructed to minimise disruption. Harmony between the old and new bridges has been achieved by using an ironstone surface to the new piers and timber parapets to the new bridge. The minimal use of signage and other street furniture ensures that the bridges and their new approaches do not detract from the natural landscape. The timber used for the parapets - oak for the old bridge and ekki on the new bridge - is from sustainable sources and a large portion of the materials from the demolition of the old bridge were recycled.
By road: Off A287
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Forgotten Relics - Listed Bridges and Viaducts