Dow Bridge

Dow Bridge is a disused road bridge that carries Watling Street over the River Avon. It was partially rebuilt in 1838, although it likely incorporates elements from an earlier bridge, probably built in the 18th century. The bridge is constructed from tooled coursed ashlar with chamfered coping and features six elliptically headed arches. The northwest arch has a keystone that is marked with the date 'W.P. 1838'. The two northwest arches were almost completely rebuilt in 1838, possibly retaining parts of the earlier cutwater. Significant sections of the earlier bridge, made of rougher coursed masonry, remain, particularly at the southeast end. The road level has been raised to the height of the parapet coping. An engraving from 1722 of an earlier bridge can be found in the Warwickshire Record Office, suggesting that the current structure may include parts of the bridge depicted in that illustration.