Building record 1160/3/9 - South Bridge

Probably built in the 12th century, but ruinous by the 17th-18th century. The current bridge was built in 1816-18 and widened in 1912. It has Classical rusticated arches. Locally listed.

{1} Simon de Senlis built South Bridge in 1100 although no direct evidence. Constructed of stone because a chapel dedicated to St Thomas stood partly on the bridge piles on Cotton side. C15th the bridge is called St Thomas' possibly associated with the founding of the hospital by Beckett. C17th-C18th bridge was in a ruinous state of repair. C19th the bridge was rebuilt by widening it on its east side. Fig 3 shows plan of South Bridge prepared in 1813 before its completion in 1818.

{2} South Bridge situated at the bottom of South Quarter.

{3} First reference to South Bridge in the title deeds of Gobion Manor; '.. Granted to Richard Gobion a virgate of land beyond the South Bridge of Northampton, on the west, on service of rendering yearly a pound of cummin seed, at feast of All Saints.'

{4} Earlier account of South Bridge in a grant to the Abbess and Nuns of Delapre.

{5} South Bridge constructed of stone because a chapel dedicated to St Thomas stood it is said ' partly on the bridge piers on the further side or Cotton side of the water'

{6} Asserts that St Thomas Hospital was founded by Beckett when he was at Northampton and says he chose the place 'over ye brook at St Thomas' Bridge next to ye South gate. This can be argued to be the main bridge over the Nene.

{7} A petition to Henry VI in 1431 for the paving of the streets and the presence of the bridge is mentioned as transcribed in the Borough Records edition of the Liber Custumarum: ' …. From the gate of the said town in the north as far as the bridge called St Thomas' bridge in the south ..'

{8} Mentioned by Leland in Lee '.. Weedon water goeth from Weedon to flore, after to heyford Village .. And thence to St Thomas' Bridge at Northampton.'

{9} The borough record mentions in 1604 of getting South Bridge properly repaired and mentioned by a form of sub-contracting to Richard Adkyns and Edward Sibson. However, this agreement was short lived as in 1603 it was said that the stone provided for the coping of South Bridge shall be paid for by the town chamber.

{10} Mentions that the South Bridge in 1663 at the time of the Great Flood forced away the two chief arches.

{11} 1666 extraordinary flood almost have destroyed the bridge as the Assembly on Jan 17th 1667 ordered #300 to be raised for the building of the South Bridge.

{12} South Bridge shown has having two arches although it is quite possible that the bridge had more.

{13} Mention of indulgences being granted to the repairs of bridges including that of South Bridge, Northampton.

{14} South Bridge is noted on the map.

{15} Comments that on the south of the town there is a stone bridge of six arches over Nen flu.

{16} Shows South bridge with 5 or possibly 6 arches.

{17} Rough sketch shows a drawbridge and 5-6 arches.

{18} Documentary evidence: South Bridge; Jan 1642 Borough Assembly had ordered 'there be provided at cost of Chamber chains and great posts to them to chain up the bridges'; 1643 parts of the south and west bridges were pulled up and made into drawbridges; may have been constructed early summer 1643; main construction seems to have been May/June 1643 with other works carried out later in the year; constantly in use; 1643-45 a Thomas Watte was paid for locking and unlocking the gate bridges and chains; significant element of defences; winter 1644 Thomas Watte required by the governor to take a boat and break the ice about the South Bridge in order to stop ease of attack.

{19} Documentary evidence: inclosure map 1767; shows a drawbridge on South Bridge.

{20} The bridge is in good condition and is decorated with ornate balustering. While the new lamps are arguably in keeping with the age of the bridge they have been installed untidily and it is clear that early, possibly original, stone supports have been removed from the top of the parapet. Watersplash from passing traffic has dirtied the bridge but there would not appear to be much evidence of salt damage or other forms of erosion. Gentle cleaning and removal of graffiti would signifcantly improve the bridge's appearance.

<1> Goodfellow A. V., 1980, The Bridges of Northampton, p.138-155 (unchecked) (Article). SNN2568.

<2> Noble; Butlin, 1746, Town Map, (checked) (Map). SNN430.

<3> Cox Rev.J.C., 1898, Records of The Borough of Northampton, p.167 (unchecked) (Book). SNN3420.

<4> 1328, CALENDAR OF CHARTER ROLLS, (unchecked) (Document). SNN2891.

<5> Cox Rev.J.C., 1898, Records of The Borough of Northampton, p.432 (unchecked) (Book). SNN3420.

<6> Lee F., 1953, A New Theory of The Origins and Early Growth of Northampton, 164-74 (Article). SNN3419.

<7> Cox Rev.J.C., 1898, Records of The Borough of Northampton, p.285 (unchecked) (Book). SNN3421.

<8> Hearne T., 1710, Collectanea (Leland J.), p.10 (unchecked) (Series). SNN974.

<9> BOROUGH ASSEMBLY BOOK, 568 (Uncertain). SNN3209.

<10> Bridges J., 1791, The History and Antiquities of Northamptonshire, p.432 (unchecked) (Book). SNN77325.

<11> BOROUGH ASSEMBLY BOOK, 67 (Uncertain). SNN3208.

<12> Speed J., 1610, Map of Northamptonshire, (checked) (Map). SNN559.

<13> Serjeantson R.M.; Ryland W. (Editors), 1906, The Victoria History of the Counties of England: Northamptonshire, p.24 (checked) (Series). SNN100369.

<14> Roper; Cole, 1807, Map of The Town of Northampton, (checked) (Map). SNN621.

<15> Ogilby J., 1675, Britannia, (unchecked) (Atlas). SNN3212.

<16> BUCK S. & N., 1731, SOUTH WEST PROSPECT, (unchecked) (Drawing). SNN3213.

<17> CAMDEN, 1660, Britannia, (unchecked) (Journal). SNN3214.

<18> Foard G.R., 1994, The Civil War Defences of Northampton, p.40+fig.10 (checked) (Article). SNN826.

<19> 1767, Kingsthorpe Enclosure Map, (unchecked) (Map). SNN827.

<20> ELLISON M., 1997, Proposed Conservation Area, Cotton End, Northampton: An Assessment by Northamptonshire Heritage, (unchecked) (Report). SNN42086.

<21> Welsh T.C., 2000-01, Documentary Sources for The Course of The Medieval Town Wall, Northampton, (unchecked) (Article). SNN103958.

<22> Bailey, B, Pevsner, N, and Cherry, B, 2013, The Buildings of England: Northamptonshire, p. 481 (Book). SNN111989.

<23> West Northamptonshire Council, 2024, Local Heritage List, November 2024, p. 28 (Report). SNN116732.

Record last edited

Mar 4 2025 12:18PM