Vicarage Bridge at Ngr Ss 9061 3516

Vicarage Bridge is a road bridge over the River Exe, built in 1835 and reconstructed in 1927-1928, with further restoration in 1952. The reconstruction was carried out by Edward J Stead, the County Surveyor, and constructed by G B Fisher and Sons. The bridge is made of local stone random rubble and features a large central arch flanked by full height pointed cutwaters, supported on 19th-century foundations. There are two smaller arches on either side, which decrease in size and are separated by brief cutwaters. The arches on the upstream side are slightly pointed in the central three bays, while all arches on the downstream side are semi-circular. The parapets are set back irregularly on both sides. A central pointed recess flanks the road, resembling the style of pack horse bridges. There is a concrete plaque on the inner face of the parapet inscribed 'Somerset County Council', and below it, an ashlar stone inscribed 'Edward J Stead AMICE County Surveyor'. The bridge was constructed for the turnpike road that bypasses a packhorse bridge located about 10 meters to the west. It is also designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument (Somerset County No 228).