Elvet Bridge

Elvet Bridge is a mediaeval masonry arch bridge across the River Wear, in Durham, England. It is a Grade I listed building.

History

The bridge was constructed in 1160 [ [http://www.localhistories.org/durham.html A Brief History of Durham ] ] during the time of Bishop Hugh de Puiset (1153–95).cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title=Power of the Prince Bishops | date= | publisher= | url =http://www.collectbritain.co.uk/galleries/durham/object.cfm?uid=005ADD000015538U00128000 | work =British Library | pages = | accessdate = 2007-04-30 | language = ] cite book |author=Margot Johnson, |title=Durham: Historic and University City |publisher=Jarrold |location= |year=2004 |pages= |isbn=0946105162 |oclc= |doi=] Hugh Du Puiset, also known as "Bishop Pudsey" was a powerful Prince Bishop, who instigated a significant amount of building work in northern England.cite book |author=David Simpson, |title=Durham City |publisher=Business Education|location= |year=2006 |pages= |isbn=9781901888508 |oclc= |doi=] The bridge has a total of ten arches. There is however, some dispute over how many arches exist. Sixteenth century antiquarian John Leland believed the bridge had 14 arches, but this has never been proven. The river flows through four full arches - the remaining are dry or semi-dry. Ten arches have been identified, others may be hidden beneath the street on the Elvet side or beneath Souter Peth. A key reason for the construction of the bridge was because of the urban development taking place in what was the then Elvet borough.

The bridge was repaired extensively under Bishop Fox between 1495-1501, and again in 1601. In 1771 a flood badly damaged the bridge.

In the mediaeval period Elvet Bridge was guarded by a gate and towers, and a number of buildings were situated upon bridge. This included two chapels which stood at either end (one of which was later replaced with a House of Correction (Prison). The chapel upon the eastern, Elvet, side of the bridge has survived partially intact to the present day and is particulaly visible when viewed from the riverbanks to the south. A number of buildings incorporate part of the bridge structure, and 18 Elvet Bridge is also grade I listed as a result.

The bridge has seven spans, the longest of which is 6-10m long and is reputed to be the narrowest row-through bridge in Europe [ [http://www.dur.ac.uk/college.rowing/?p=resources/wear "Durham College Rowing"] ] .

Crossings navbox
structure = Crossings
place = River Wear
bridge = Elvet Bridge
upstream = New Elvet Bridge
downstream = Kingsgate Bridge

References