Building record 2888/0/1 - Duddington Bridge (Medieval Bridge Over River Welland)

The bridge crosses the River Welland at the point where it is rejoined by the tailrace of the watermill (HER no 2888/5/1). It is of medieval origin and consists of four archways and a causeway to the southwest which is pierced by a further tunnel to carry any flood water. In 1919 the bridge was approximately doubled in width by additions on the downstream, northwest, side. The four principle arches are pointed and the tunnels are plain vaults without any ribs. The north arch is narrower and more pointed than the rest but is apparently contemporary. The arches and piers are of ashlar, but the bridge has been repaired in rubble which continues to the causeway. Towards the south end of the causeway is a low round arch that was apparently inserted in the early 19th century.

{1} Bridge. Probably C15 widened 1919. Squared coursed limestone, limestone ashlar and blue bricks. 4 bays of single-chamfered pointed arches with one additional semi-circular arch, with keyblock, to south. Cutwaters, with pyramid cappings, to centre and left, of south side. Rebuilt parapet, above, with square piers at ends. Arch to north end widened with an outer arch, having a red brick dressings. North side widened in 1919. Semi-circular outer arches with keyblocks and blue brick undersides. C19 cast iron boundary marker at centre of bridge between the civil parishes of Duddington and Tixover. Duddington Bridge is scheduled as an Ancient Monument.

{3} Medieval bridge. Presentment by jurors of Willibrook Hundred in 1380 'that Duddington bridge is broken and ought to be repaired by the said township'.

{4} Bridge over River Welland, stone-built; 4 pointed arches; brick-widened downstream in 1919; Presentment of 1380.

{6} Five undated photos;

<1> Clews Architects, 1980s, Database for Listing of Historic Buildings of Special Architectural Interest: Northamptonshire, 9/105 (checked) (Digital archive). SNN102353.

<2> List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest ("Greenback"), G11 (unchecked) (Catalogue). SNN41470.

<3> Goodfellow P., 1986, Medieval Bridges in Northamptonshire, p.143-58 (part checked) (Article). SNN1781.

<4> Goodfellow P., 1998, Northamptonshire Bridges, (unchecked) (Gazetteer). SNN42745.

<5> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1984, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p.49 (unchecked) (Series). SNN77384.

<6> Photographs of buildings in Duddington (Photographs). SNN112103.

<7> Historic England, Undated, DUDDINGTON BRIDGE, MILL STREET, DUDDINGTON WITH FINESHADE, BF084641 (Archive). SNN114492.

Record last edited

Feb 9 2024 3:27PM