Elvet Bridge

Elvet Bridge is a bridge dating from the early 13th century, which incorporates one arch from late 12th century work. The central three arches were renewed after a flood in 1771, and the north side (upstream) was doubled in width in 1804-1805. The bridge is constructed of coursed squared sandstone with ashlar dressings and features seven river arches, two land arches on the west side, and one on the east. The east arch, which steps southwards, is round and chamfered, while the other southern arches are double-chamfered and two-centred, with five ribs where the outer rib is chamfered. The northern extension has cutwaters that alternate between sloping-topped and hipped, flanking two-centred arches, with hipped south cutwaters. There is a band at road bed level and a parapet with low rounded coping, along with stone steps on the north side at the west end. The two western land arches are beneath the current road; the easternmost of these was adapted as a house of correction in 1632 and features iron grilles over boarded doors. The south-east arch supported the medieval chapel of St. Andrew, part of which may still exist beneath No. 97 Elvet Bridge. Elvet Bridge is also a scheduled ancient monument.