Heyford Bridge (That Part In Rousham Civil Parish)

Heyford Bridge, located in Rousham civil parish, is a river bridge that likely dates back to the 14th century, with alterations made in the 17th century and widening in the 19th century. It is constructed of coursed squared limestone, featuring some ashlar dressings and brick repairs. The western end of the bridge spans the main branch of the River Cherwell and has four pointed medieval arches. Two of these arches retain chamfered ashlar ribs and have added brick linings, while the westernmost arch lacks ribs and has 19th-century outer voussoirs. The second arch was reduced to half its original span in the 17th century. Shallow buttresses are positioned between the arches, and square piers rise from triangular buttresses on either side of the river. The bridge extends approximately 190 meters across the valley, with the remaining structure forming a causeway that includes six additional arches, two of which are medieval and have chamfered ribs. The north face of the bridge from the 19th century features corresponding arches with squared voussoirs, which spring from low triangular cutwaters. Both plain parapets have flat stone copings. The bridge was first recorded in 1255 and is an important feature in the landscape designed around 1740 by William Kent for Rousham Park, which is listed as Grade I in the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission Register of Parks and Gardens.