Medieval bridge 870m north east of Stretton Court Farm

Reasons for Designation

Single span bridges were in use for much of the medieval period as a means of enabling laden animals and vehicles to cross narrow watercourses. The most prominent feature is the arch, which varies in span and shape although the most common form was the pointed arch which was in use until about the 15th century. Early examples were constructed of timber and, although wood continued to be used throughout the medieval period, stone was used from at least the 12th century, and particularly in the 14th and 15th centuries. Medieval single span bridges are rare and all examples are considered worthy of protection.

The bridge at Stretton Sugwas has survived largely unchanged since medieval times. It will retain information relating to its method of construction, and limited disturbance in the area around the bridge will have resulted in the survival of archaeological remains relating to its construction and use. The bridge is clearly visible from the public footpath which crosses it.

Details

The monument includes the standing and buried remains of a small medieval bridge, which crosses a south flowing tributary stream of the Yazor Brook some 5km north west of Hereford. The bridge, which dates to around the 14th century, is constructed of roughly dressed sandstone blocks and is carried on a segmental pointed arch with a span of 2.5m. It is 5.2m wide and rises 1.4m above the stream, and is crossed by an earth track. All modern fencing is excluded from the scheduling although the ground beneath it is included.

MAP EXTRACT The site of the monument is shown on the attached map extract. It includes a 2 metre boundary around the archaeological features, considered to be essential for the monument's support and preservation.

Legacy

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

Legacy System number:

21670

Legacy System:

RSM

Sources

Other
RCHM, RCHM Herefordshire Volume 2, (1932)

End of official list entry

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