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Bedford Bridge

In the civil parish of Bedford.
In the historic county of Bedfordshire.
Modern Authority of Bedfordshire.
1974 county of Bedfordshire.
Medieval County of Bedfordshire.

OS Map Grid Reference: TL050495
Latitude 52.13442° Longitude -0.46599°

Bedford Bridge has been described as a certain Fortified Bridge.

There are no visible remains.

Description

The medieval bridge over the River Ouse in Bedford is thought to be of 13th century origin. It was demolished in 1811 and replaced with the current bridge. The medieval bridge had 7 arches and 2 buildings were located on either side of the central arch, one of which was the jail. (Bedfordshire HER)

THIS bridge stands upon the river Ouse, which runs through, and almost equally divides the town. History is silent both as to the founder and the time of its construction. Tradition says it was erected with part of the materials of the castle demolished by King Henry III. in the year 1224. It is highly probable this was built in the place of a much older bridge; as by an extract from Roger Hoveden's Chronicle, in Leland's Collectanea, it appears, that the part of the town, on the southern bank of the river, was built by Edward the elder, in the year 912. It seems, therefore, almost impossible the inhabitants could so long have wanted this necessary means of communication between the north and south parts of the town. (Grose)
Comments

Fortified bridge with gate on central pier. Within the circuit of the town defences although these did not extend to cover the banks of the River Ouse.
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This record last updated 26/07/2017 09:21:01

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