Homersfield Bridge

1 5321 ALBURGH TM 28 NE 16/1316 Homersfield Bridge 3.6.81 II* 2. Bridge, dated to 1869. Architect Henry Eyton, constructed by Messrs Phillips for the Flixton Estate. Composite wrought iron and concrete construction, cast iron balustrade. Of single span with segmental arch. The wrought iron is expressed on the arch face and at the level of the carriageway. Otherwise the internal cross members, now visible due to rust staining were originally encased in mass concrete. The soffit of the bridge is composed of this, finished fair- face, as are the spandrels which have reeded panels. The open balustrade is of cast iron bolted to the wrought iron top member. Balusters with spiral nailhead ribbon decoration carry wide St Andrews crosses with guilloche ornament. At the intersection of each cross is a medallion initialled S.A. (Sir Shafto Adair, Bart). The moulded cast iron handrails carry ball finials above each baluster. On one side the handrail is embossed with a small panel "HM EYTON, ARCHITECT". At the centre of each face of the bridge cast iron shields with the arms of the Adair family. The roadway edge is of York stone paviours, finished with roll nosing above the bridge faces. At each end of the bridge the balustrade termi- nates in short brick piers with rectangular York stone caps. Repair drawings from 1907 record that the bridge was padlocked with a chain each year at a time of flood "So as to force people to pay the toll ..... 2d each is charged". The composite construction of the bridge makes it an early forerunner of modern reinforced concrete structures. At the time of this description (Feb 1989) the bridge is the subject of a joint conservation project involving Norfolk Historic Building Trust and Suffolk Preservation Society. Sources:- Copies of construction drawings together with contractors and architects letters dated December, 1869; Norfolk County Council Highways Department; Suffolk Preservation Society Newsletter Winter 1986-7, page 3. NB: This building is also listed in the parish of Wortwell, South Norfolk (see below) and in the District of Waveney, Suffolk and is situated in the Civil Parish of Homersfield. see the 3rd amendment to the 13th list of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest in the District of Waveney, Suffolk as at 27.4.87

--------------------------------------------------------- 1. 5321 WORTWELL 16/1316 Homersfield Bridge

3.6.81 II*

1. This building is also listed in the parish of Alburgh, South Norfolk (see above) and in the District of Waveney, Suffolk and is situated in the civil Parish of Homersfield. See the 3rd amendment of the 13th list of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest in the District of Waveney, Suffolk as at 27.4.87.

Listing NGR: TM2832985689