Greatham Bridge

Summary

Greatham Bridge, 220m NNW of Bridge Cottages.

Reasons for Designation

Multi-span bridges are structures of two or more arches supported on piers. They were constructed for the use of pedestrians and packhorse or vehicular traffic, crossing rivers or streams, often replacing or supplementing earlier fords. Stone or brick bridges constructed from the medieval period onwards were built with pointed, semicircular or segmental arches. The bridge abutments and revetting of the river banks also form part of the bridge. The theory and practice of masonry construction for bridges reached a high point in the 18th century. After this time increasing demand led to quicker builds with the adoption of iron bridges and later metal truss and suspension bridges.

Despite some later repair work, Greatham Bridge survives very well with some fine masonry.

History

See Details.

Details

This record was the subject of a minor enhancement on 30th October 2014. The 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.

The monument includes a multi-span bridge, thought to date from the early 17th century, situated over the River Arun east of Coldwaltham.

The bridge is comprised of two sections; one of eight low elliptical stone arches and the other, which is of later date, to the east, of two semi-circular arches. There are pointed cutwaters between the arches on each side. The cutwater between the semi-circular arches is carried up to the height of the parapet to form a triangular recess upon the bridge. A 19th century cast iron lattice girder bridge joins the stone bridge at the east end, completing the span across the river. Documentary evidence records a skirmish at Greatham Bridge during the Civil War and cannon-balls have apparently been found below the bridge. The bridge was strengthened in the late 20th century.

It is Grade II listed.

Legacy

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

Legacy System number:

WS 140

Legacy System:

RSM - OCN

Sources

Other
West Sussex HER 2340 - MWS2921. NMR TQ01NW37. PastScape 393052. LBS 298494.

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