Swilgate Bridge

TEWKESBURY

SO83SE GLOUCESTER ROAD 859-1/2/179 Swilgate Bridge

II

Road bridge over stream. 1635, repaired 1750, widened and raised 1756 and 1827. Sandstone, brick, concrete. A single arch bridge carrying the principal road from Gloucester to Tewkesbury (turnpiked in the mid C18) with a central section of good cut stone vaulting, but extended on both sides with splayed brick abutments, and some filling and stabilising in concrete. The horizontal parapets have heavy sandstone weathered copings and quoins, and are extended at the S end by 2 bays of simple railing with 2 supporters. On the upstream side a central keystone to the brick arch carries the date 1827. There is a Bench Mark on the downstream parapet. An early structure, pre-dating the turnpike road, which originally forked to the W, to Lower Lode, just beyond this bridge, before being brought to its present S alignment. Formerly known as Holm Bridge, and mentioned as such in 1540; said to have been a drawbridge until its rebuilding in stone in 1635. It is probable that the central stone span is of this date. (Victoria County History: Gloucestershire: London: 1968-: 115).

Listing NGR: SO8885232223