King John'S Bridge

TEWKESBURY

SO8933 MYTHE ROAD 859-1/5/313 King John's Bridge 04/03/52

GV II*

Road bridge over River Mill Avon. Originally built c1190, but frequently repaired or rebuilt, including substantial remedial works in 1747, 1783, and 1810, culminating in major restructuring in 1824. General reconstruction completed in 1962. Coursed sandstone ashlar. 5 low segmental arches in 2 square recessed orders, a fifth arch, near E end higher than others, to triangular cutwaters with refuges each side. Heavy weathered coping. Abutments continue to W for approx 27m, and on N side is a plaque giving historical information, including long quotation from Leland (1769) concerning King John's involvement in the earlier bridge. The low arches are carried on series of heavy square ribs for about two-thirds of the road width, and some of the masonry on the upstream side appears to have survived the 1962 rebuild. On the downstream side, to the W, a set of 14 steps leads down to the riverside walk, breaking cleanly through the parapet. (Victoria County History: Gloucestershire: London: 1968-: 114-5).

Listing NGR: SO8937133231