More information : [SJ 49581236] English Bridge [TU] (1)
Ward (2) says of the English or Stone Bridge, Shrewsbury, 'the
first of these structures of which there is any record stood
for some 700 years. Actually there were two bridges, with
seventeen arches; six of the arches comprised the Stone Bridge
which spanned the river from Wyle Cop to Coleham Head, whilst the
remaining eleven arches constituted the Abbey Bridge which
extended from Coleham Head for a considerable distance in the
direction of the Abbey Church'.
Both bridges were demolished when a new bridge was built in
1769-74. This was taken down and entirely rebuilt in 1926-27.
Ward, who was able to fix the relative positions of the old and
new briges says, the town side of the Stone Gate coincided exactly
with the centre of the middle arch of the English Bridge. He
acknowledges the use made of Thos. Phillips' Ms. which is to
be found in the Free Library, Corporation of Shrewsbury official
documents, etc.
The monks built the Abbey Bridge, and it is reasonable to assume,
says Ward, that they did so while engaged in building the Abbey
itself. At that time the mill-race, an arm of the Meole (or Rea)
Brook, discharged itself into the river at a point where the
Technical College now stands, with the result that the
locality now known as Coleham Head was converted into an island.
The Stone Bridge, which spanned the river proper, was no doubt
erected at or about the same time as the Abbey Bridge. The six
arches included the drawbridge which was converted into an arch
in 1732. The Stone Gate on the bridge formed the easterly entrance
into the town. It fell in 1545 and wrought stones, probably the
remains of some religious building, were found in the walls. (2)
The centre of the central arch of the bridge was surveyed at
SJ 49581236. (3)
1632 English Bridge
SJ 4912 SE 5/3 10.1.53.
II*
2.
This bridges the River Severn and connects Wyle Cop with
Abbey Foregate. 1769; architect John Gwynn. Rebuilt 1926. Stone
built, it has 7 spans with rusticated quoins. In the middle of
each span is a keystone with shell moulding and a head of Neptune
above the central span. Stone balustrade with ball finials and
wrought iron lamp standards. The centre of the balustrade has
the City Arms of Shrewsbury set in an open pediment with the
date 1774 in Roman numerals. The 2 centre piers have fine carved
stone dolphins. (4)
SJ 496123: English Bridge designed by John Gwynne, constructed c. 1768. (5-6) |