Bideford Bridge Including Parapet Walls And Gates Of East Abutment

The Bideford Bridge, spanning the River Torridge, is a significant structure likely originating in the 15th century, built upon the remains of a wooden bridge constructed in the late 13th century. It has undergone several expansions and alterations over the centuries. The bridge was widened between 1795 and 1810 to incorporate footpaths, and further enlarged in 1867 to accommodate a double carriageway by Thomas Page of London. The parapets and cutwaters were rebuilt in 1925.

The bridge is primarily constructed of stone rubble with dressed stone voussoirs. It features 24 pointed arches of varying widths, an apparent consequence of its original timber design. Segmental arches flank each pointed arch, representing the addition of the 1795-1810 footpaths. The parapets, built in 1925, are cantilevered and composed of reinforced concrete and rough-faced coursed stone blocks with dressed stone copings. The piers are constructed of granite. Extending along the parapets are iron lamp standards mounted on concrete pedestals, closely resembling the 1925 originals, although the lamp tops are of late 20th-century design.

The eastern abutment retains its 1867 parapet walls with chamfered copings. Flanking these walls are pairs of octagonal granite gate piers, each featuring trefoil-headed panels and pyramidal caps with coved bases. The east pier on each side is topped with ornate iron lampholders, and original iron gates adorned with scrollwork are present on either side. An identical gate pier is located at the west end of the north parapet.

At a length of 678 feet, the bridge is considered the longest in Devon. Historical records indicate that Bishop Quinel of Exeter (1280-91) offered indulgences to those contributing to its construction. Bishop Stapeldon bequeathed 40 shillings to the bridge in his 1327 will, and subsequent 14th and 15th-century bishops granted indulgences for repairs and rebuilding. A papal letter from 1459 describes the bridge as wooden. Leland (c1535-43) provides the first written description of it as being built of stone. During the 1925 alterations, timbers were discovered embedded within the masonry and one has been preserved at Bideford Public Library. Originally there were chapels at each end of the bridge: St Anne's on the east and Allhallows on the west.