Lizwell Bridge

Summary

A multi span bridge called Lizwell Bridge.

Reasons for Designation

Multi-span bridges are structures of two or more arches supported on piers. They were constructed throughout the medieval period for the use of pedestrians and packhorse or vehicular traffic, crossing rivers or streams, often replacing or supplementing earlier fords. During the early medieval period timber was used, but from the 12th century stone (and later brick) bridges became more common, with the piers sometimes supported by a timber raft. Most stone or brick bridges were constructed with pointed arches, although semicircular and segmental examples are also known. A common medieval feature is the presence of stone ashlar ribs underneath the arch. The bridge abutments and revetting of the river banks also form part of the bridge. Where medieval bridges have been altered in later centuries, original features are sometimes concealed behind later stonework, including remains of earlier timber bridges. The roadway was often originally cobbled or gravelled. The building and maintenance of bridges was frequently carried out by the church and by guilds, although landowners were also required to maintain bridges. From the mid-13th century the right to collect tolls, known as pontage, was granted to many bridges, usually for repairs; for this purpose many urban bridges had houses or chapels on them, and some were fortified with a defensive gateway. Medieval multi-span bridges must have been numerous throughout England, but most have been rebuilt or replaced and less than 200 examples are now known to survive. As a rare monument type largely unaltered, surviving examples and examples that retain significant medieval and post- medieval fabric are considered to be of national importance. Lizwell Bridge does not support a public road, and the original track which leads to it is now hard to trace. It retains many of its original features and has remained largely unaltered.

History

See Details.

Details

This record was the subject of a minor enhancement on 10 November 2015. This record has been generated from an "old county number" (OCN) scheduling record. These are monuments that were not reviewed under the Monuments Protection Programme and are some of our oldest designation records.

This monument includes a multi span bridge known as Lizwell Bridge which crosses the East Webburn River and is situated in a steep wooded valley. The bridge survives as two low rounded arches which each measure 2.5m long, these meet on an islet in the river and are joined by a causeway. The arches are constructed of dressed granite, the rest is composed of slate rubble. The bridge is up to 3.2m wide, the parapets are extremely low and on the northern side of the bridge at the centre a granite pillar with fixings suggest the bridge was once gated.

Legacy

The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.

Legacy System number:

DV 614

Legacy System:

RSM - OCN

Sources

Other
PastScape Monument No:-445348

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