Gara Bridge

Gara Bridge is a road bridge over the River Avon, likely built in the 17th century and widened in the 18th century or early 19th century. It is constructed of slate rubble with dressed slate arches. The bridge features a large single span segmental arch, approximately 8 metres wide, with double arch rings; the inner ring is recessed while the outer ring is chamfered on the north upstream side. The parapets seem to have been raised or rebuilt, and the abutments are splayed out. Originally, the bridge was a very narrow packhorse bridge that has been widened on the downstream south side. A straight masonry joint is clearly visible on the intrados of the arch, indicating the widening. The chamfered arch ring on the north side supports the idea that the original bridge was narrower than the current width. It would have been so narrow that it could only function as a footbridge, despite its considerable span. The bridge is situated partly in North Huish Parish.