Nunn's Bridge, Coggeshall

Footbridge, erected in 1892, designed and crafted by local blacksmith and social activist Henry ‘Dick’ Nunn.

MATERIALS: wrought-iron footbridge, timber decking, mass concrete abutments, and tubular steel outriggers.

PLAN: single-span bridge, aligned north-south over the River Blackwater.

DESCRIPTION: the gently-arched footbridge spans approximately 9.2m, and is laid out on a north-south axis over the River Blackwater. Its wrought-iron carriage beams are supported by collars with a semi-elliptical arch at their centre, braces, tubular steel outriggers and concrete abutments (both replaced around 1965). The carriageway has deck timbers (most recently replaced around 2011) laid on regularly-spaced wrought-iron rungs. A plain wrought-iron handrail is supported by eight vertical supports on each side, the central six of which have horizontal support plates and curved stays projecting outwards towards the river. The entrances to the bridge each retain a swing gate to restrict livestock access.