Bideford Bridge
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Visit websiteBideford 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.
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