Buckland Bridge

Buckland Bridge is a bridge that spans the River Webburn into Widecombe parish. It is likely a late 18th century rebuilding of a 16th century bridge, with possible widening in the early 19th century. The structure is made of granite and slatestone rubble, with some ashlar, and measures about 4 metres wide. It features a single elliptical arch with dressed granite voussoirs, and the downstream side has a raised keystone. The abutments on the downstream side are made of ashlar and appear to be from a different construction phase than the rest of the bridge. On the Widecombe side, the rubble part of the abutment includes a rough stringcourse located just below the springing level. The parapets are uniform and topped with large, roughly squared granite blocks. In 1815, the County Surveyor noted that Buckland Bridge "appears to have been built by public subscription about thirty years since." In 1821, the County agreed to repair and widen the bridge for no more than £35, but the only recorded payment for repairs that year was £2-10-2 to William Phillips. A reference from 1578 to "the new bridge towards spychewke" likely pertains to Buckland Bridge.