}
Bristol Bridge
'that the workmen might lay the foundations with perfect ease and security, they laid the whole bed of the river dry by turning the current into a temporary channel dug for that purpose'
A Short History of the Port of Bristol by Charles Wells, 1909.
The Saxon bridge, which spanned the River Avon between Bristol and Redcliffe, played a key role in its future prosperity as a settlement.
It was essential for fostering trade as the main crossing point into the town and, being built of timber, was fine for light traffic. As Bristol grew, however, a stronger bridge was required. London had replaced its wooden bridge around 1200 with one of stone, and in the 1240s Bristol followed suit. Stone bridges could support greater loads in transit, were less vulnerable to fire and flood, and could even support other buildings.
This was part of Bristol's first major redevelopment and helped to incorporate the area south of the river into the town. Over the space of a few years Bristol would see enormous investment go into the building of a new harbour, the construction of the stone bridge, and strengthening of the town walls.
The completed bridge was a sturdy structure on four arches, with columns so thick they impeded the flow of water and created small waterfalls. It was rapidly lined with small shops and although less than 6m wide, this narrow strip was very much in demand.
A Short History of the Port of Bristol by Charles Wells, 1909.
The Saxon bridge, which spanned the River Avon between Bristol and Redcliffe, played a key role in its future prosperity as a settlement.
It was essential for fostering trade as the main crossing point into the town and, being built of timber, was fine for light traffic. As Bristol grew, however, a stronger bridge was required. London had replaced its wooden bridge around 1200 with one of stone, and in the 1240s Bristol followed suit. Stone bridges could support greater loads in transit, were less vulnerable to fire and flood, and could even support other buildings.
This was part of Bristol's first major redevelopment and helped to incorporate the area south of the river into the town. Over the space of a few years Bristol would see enormous investment go into the building of a new harbour, the construction of the stone bridge, and strengthening of the town walls.
The completed bridge was a sturdy structure on four arches, with columns so thick they impeded the flow of water and created small waterfalls. It was rapidly lined with small shops and although less than 6m wide, this narrow strip was very much in demand.