Homersfield Bridge

Homersfield Bridge is a bridge dated to 1869, designed by Henry Eyton and constructed by Messrs Phillips for the Flixton Estate. It is a composite structure of wrought iron and concrete. The bridge features a single segmental arch, with the wrought iron prominently displayed on the arch face and at the carriageway level. Originally, internal cross members were encased in mass concrete, but these are now visible due to rust staining. The soffit and spandrels are finished in fair-faced concrete, the spandrels incorporating reeded panels. The open cast iron balustrade is bolted to a wrought iron top member. The balusters are decorated with a spiral "nailhead" ribbon motif and carry wide St Andrews crosses ornamented with guilloche detailing. A medallion initialled "S.A." (Sir Shafto Adair, Bart) is positioned at the intersection of each cross. Moulded cast iron handrails are topped with ball finials above each baluster. One handrail is embossed with a small panel reading "HM EYTON, ARCHITECT." Cast iron shields displaying the arms of the Adair family are positioned on each face of the bridge. The roadway edge is paved with York stone, finished with roll nosing. At each end, the balustrade terminates in short brick piers with rectangular York stone caps. Historic repair drawings from 1907 indicate the bridge was padlocked with a chain annually during flood periods to collect a toll of 2d. The bridge's composite construction marks it as a precursor to modern reinforced concrete structures. This combination of materials makes it a notable early design. As of February 1989, the bridge was undergoing a joint conservation project involving the Norfolk Historic Building Trust and the Suffolk Preservation Society.