Respryn Bridge

SX 06 SE 9/61 6.6.69

LANHYDROCK Respryn Bridge

II*

Bridge over the River Fowey. C15, with later alterations ; there was a bridge at Respryn by 1300. Granite moorstone blocks ; the later parts in slatestone rubble with granite coping to the parapet. The bridge has five arches of different sizes and dates. The central arch is the oldest, with 4-centred arch, with granite arch- ring. The arch to west is round, with granite keystone, and the arch to each is rounded, with a slatestone arch-ring. On the upstream side, there are four triangular cutwaters with refuges; on the downstream side, only 2 cutwaters with refuges survive to east, one pier with the remains of a cutwater at the base. The parapet walls are low, with chamfered granite coping, splayed back at the east end. The bridge is about 40 metres long and about 3 metres wide. The pass at Respryn Bridge was one of the most important strategic points in Cornwall, and was on the old track from Bodmin to Looe. Ancient monument no. 63. Sources: Henderson, C. and Coates, H.: Old Cornish Bridges and Streams 1928.

Listing NGR: SX0993663492