Abbots Bridge and Adjoining East Precinct Wall

Abbot's Bridge and the adjoining east precinct wall are located at the north-west corner of the Abbey Precincts in Bury St Edmunds. The bridge dates from the late 12th century, with additions from the 14th century. It is constructed of rubble flint and stone, featuring freestone for the buttresses and arches. The north-east face of the bridge has a central pointed arch flanked by segmental arches that support the precinct wall. Between these arches, there are two 14th-century breakwaters and two flying buttresses. On the south-west face, three segmental arches, which are said to have once supported a portcullis, hold up a walkway that connects the bridge to the 12th-century precinct wall leading to the vineyards on the east side of the River Lark. This wall is made of coursed and rubble flint and rises over 2 metres in some parts, extending approximately 98 metres to join the remains of the north wall of the vineyards. A short section of ashlar-faced return wall concludes with a buttress on the river bank. The site is designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.