Culmstock Bridge

Culmstock Bridge is a road bridge spanning the River Culm, with medieval origins. It was significantly rebuilt following substantial flood damage in 1774, and subsequently altered and repaired in the 20th century. The bridge is constructed from local limestone rubble, with dressed voussoirs and blocks used for the piers and cutwaters. It originally comprised six arches, though the southernmost arch has been replaced with a flat concrete lintel in the 20th century. The remaining five arches are segmental and of varying spans and heights. The piers project on both sides with pointed cutwaters, some extended upwards to form refuges; three are located upstream (east) and two are downstream (west). The bridge has a rubble parapet with rounded ashlar coping, replaced with railings on the 20th-century arch. The road ramps up to the bridge, reaching its highest point north of the centre. According to Polwhele, the 1774 flood resulted in the loss of one arch, which was then replaced with two arches. A bequest for bridge repair made in 1412 indicates earlier medieval origins.