Pershore Old Bridge

Many thanks to Avon Navigation Trust  and the folks at Pershore College for facilitating this camera's location and capitally funding its installation. In 2009, the Upper Avon Navigation Trust and the Lower Avon Navigation Trust merged to form a unified navigation authority known as the Avon Navigation Trust. This consolidation resulted in a seamless management structure for the entire river. The Great Bridge, a remarkable structure, endures as a five-span bridge with additional flood arches located at the north-eastern and south-western ends. Originally constructed in the 15th century, the bridge underwent remodeling during the 17th and 18th centuries. It is predominantly made of sandstone, complemented by a red brick parapet and some sections adorned with blue brick. The bridge features a low parapet with a double dog-tooth string course, saddleback stone coping, and brick relief decorations on its exterior. At the south-eastern corner, the parapet gracefully curves outwards and terminates in brick and stone piers. Within the span of seven arches, including those crossing the river and flood plain, the central arch stands out as the widest, flanked by paired arches on either side. The principal arches exhibit segmental heads and voussoirs, with the central arch boasting a prominent keystone. Notably, the north-eastern flood arch is embellished with a keystone, while the south-western arch is angled to harmonize with the curvature of the parapet. On the eastern side of the bridge, five pointed cutwaters rise to create pedestrian passing places atop the bridge. Extending approximately 66 meters in length and 4 meters in width, Pershore Great Bridge stands as an impressive structure.The original construction of the bridge can be attributed to the monks of Pershore Abbey during the 15th century. Subsequently, around 1635, William Sandys enlarged the central arch, and repairs were carried out following damage sustained during the Civil War. However, it is worth noting that a river crossing existed at the location of Pershore Great Bridge even before the 15th-century construction. Historical records dating back to 1290 indicate that Sir Nicolas de Mitton bequeathed one shilling for the repair of a bridge in that area. Considering the value of a shilling during that period, Sir Nicolas's contribution was significant, exceeding the worth of today's 5p.Although medieval multi-span bridges were once abundant throughout England, many have undergone reconstruction or replacement, resulting in less than 200 surviving examples. As a rare monument type that has remained largely unaltered, the preservation of surviving bridges and those that retain substantial medieval and post-medieval elements is deemed of national importance. Despite partial demolition and the addition of a road surface, the remains of Pershore Bridge, located 430 meters south-east of Pershore Cottage Hospital, have endured comparatively well and showcase several architecturally intriguing features. Concealed behind later stone and brickwork, elements of the original structure provide valuable insights into its construction and subsequent rebuilding phases.