Summary
A packhorse bridge, probably of medieval or post-medieval date, with later parapets and repairs.
Reasons for Designation
Chewton Keynsham Bridge, a packhorse bridge of probable medieval or post-medieval date, with later parapets and repairs, is scheduled for the following principal reasons:
History
The bridge over the River Chew carries a track, now a bridleway, running east from Chewton Keynsham which is depicted on the 1840 tithe map and is described on the tithe apportionment as a ‘Parish road’. The date of the bridge is unknown, with sources (Bath & NE Somerset Historic Environment Record) variously attributing its construction to the medieval period or the C18. A medieval or post-medieval date is more likely, since it was most probably constructed as a packhorse bridge, without a parapet, to avoid animals’ side packs hitting as they crossed the bridge. The parapets appear to have been added later, and some of the coping stones on the upstream (south) parapet have since been replaced.
Details
PRINCIPAL ELEMENTS
A packhorse bridge which crosses the River Chew. It is most probably medieval or post-medieval in date and has later parapets and repairs.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
BA 161
Legacy System:
RSM - OCN
Sources
Websites https://www.somersetheritage.org.uk/record/61209 Other
Legal
This monument is scheduled under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 as amended as it appears to the Secretary of State to be of national importance. This entry is a copy, the original is held by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
End of official list entry
