Saughall Massie Bridge

A stone road bridge built in 1829-30, crossing Arrowe Brook. It was constructed by Thomas Brassey and William Lawton using Kyper sandstone for the main structure and Bunter sandstone for the parapet walls. The bridge has a single segmental arch carrying a single carriageway, with pedestrian footpaths on the north and south sides. Low parapet walls are made of large sandstone blocks with curved copings that extend slightly beyond the wall face, terminating in squat pillars with carved flat-domed tops; the pillars are square except for the curved face which continues the line of the parapet. The main body of the bridge features spandrel walls of smaller sandstone blocks, and the arch is formed by voussoirs with a projecting keystone and a narrow arch ring.

In 1829, the County of Chester sought tenders to build a bridge connecting Saughall Massie to the surrounding Wirral, aiming to reduce crime resulting from the village’s isolated position. Brassey and Lawton were awarded the contract, completing the bridge for £200. Thomas Brassey is considered one of the most significant civil engineering contractors of the 19th century, undertaking extensive projects including railways, bridges, viaducts, docks, mines, locomotive factories, and water and sewage systems worldwide. Saughall Massie Bridge marked the beginning of his career.

The bridge is of national importance as the initial bridge contract undertaken by Thomas Brassey. It allowed him to develop the skills he later employed in more substantial railway and infrastructure projects.