Building record 3117/1/1 - Ditchford Bridge & Attached Causeway

Bridge. Datestone 1330/1927. Medieval origins, but much restored.

{1} Bridge. Datestone 1330/1927. Medieval origins, but much restored. Squared coursed ironstone and limestone with ashlar dressings. 6 semi-circular double-chamfered and stepped arches with large cutwaters between. Plain parapet partly corbelled out with pedestrian recesses above cutwaters. Approached from both ends by a causeway of 3 semi-circular arches. Inscribed tablet to centre of east elevation commemorates restoration of 1927. Datestone in parapet to rear of tablet is of same period. Scheduled Ancient Monument.

{3} Archaeological recording of Ditchford Bridge, Irchester was carried out in advance of and during major repairs to both causewayed approaches of the bridge. Survey results indicated that much of the medieval bridge had been extensively refaced or rebuilt.

{4} Stone, six arches, medieval but repaired. Carvings of St. Peter's Keys (Irthlingborough) and Catherine Wheel (Irchester).

{7} 1282: Dikfordebrigg. In 1330 the bridge and causey were presented as being "ruinous and dangerous to passengers" (Bridges)

{8} Three undated photos;

{9} Undated photo;

{10} Two undated photos;

<1> Clews Architects, 1980s, Database for Listing of Historic Buildings of Special Architectural Interest: Northamptonshire, 5/100+5/181+7/75 (checked) (Digital archive). SNN102353.

<2> 1986, List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest ("Greenback"), G04,G05+G07 p.40 (unchecked) (Catalogue). SNN100394.

<3> McKeague P., 1988-9, Ditchford Bridge, Irchester, p.179-184 (checked) (Article). SNN40257.

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

<5> Bridges J., 1791, The History and Antiquities of Northamptonshire, p.194, 239 (unchecked) (Book). SNN77326.

<6> Cadman G., 1988, Notes regarding repair of Ditchford Bridge, (checked) (Note). SNN51813.

<7> Goodfellow P., 1986, Medieval Bridges in Northamptonshire, p.153 (checked) (Article). SNN1781.

<8> Photographs of buildings in Irchester (Photographs). SNN112806.

<9> Photographs of buildings in Irthlingborough (Photographs). SNN112812.

<10> Photographs of buildings in Wellingborough (Photographs). SNN115387.

Record last edited

Jun 19 2025 3:28PM