Wilton Bridge And Sundial

The asset was previously listed twice also under the parish of Bridstow at List entry 1288736. This entry was removed from the List on 23 September 2024.

This entry was subject to a Minor Amendment on 23 September 2024 to correct typos, reformatted to current standards and add text about the sundial from the de-listed duplicate entry. The GIS triangle depiction was moved slightly from SO5899724214 to SO5899424216. Thus placing it on the parish boundary between Ross-on-Wye and Bridstow which passes through the building. The grid reference was removed from the Details text.

1560

SO 52 SE 2/87

Wilton Bridge

22.10.52.

I

Bridge of sandstone ashlar and concrete reinforcement. In 1597 an Act was passed authorising its construction. It was completed within the next two years. Altered 1914. Six semi-circular arches each with three ribs. Massive cutwaters on each side carried up and splayed back from the outer angle at parapet level forming semi-hexagonal refuges. At the point where the splay dies out is a moulded string which is mitred and carried up to the angle against the spandrels of the arches and then mitred and carried across to form a label above the arches. The voussoirs of the arches are chamfered and joggled and have various masons' marks. On upstream side the bridge has been widened but now the parapet has gone and been replaced by a steel crash-barrier. South-east approach to bridge has been rebuilt in ashlar with two flights of stone steps to the river bank.

Restored sundial. Early C18. Sandstone ashlar and limestone. Diagonally set in refuge on south side. Square pedestal with moulded and fielded side panels supports bulbous fluted baluster-shaped shaft with moulded cornice above which is a square limestone pillar, bearing a gnomon to each face, topped by a ball-finial. Eroded inscription beneath north gnomon reported by RCHM as: ESTEEM THEY PRECIOUS TIME / WHICH PASS SO SWIFT AWAY/ PREPARE THEE FOR ETERNITY / AND DO NOT MAKE DELAY. RCHM plan has sundial positioned wrongly on north side of the bridge.