Middleham Bridge

Middleham Bridge is a suspension bridge, now functioning as a road deck bridge, built in 1830 and altered in 1865. Designed by Hansom and Welch, it features coursed rubble and ashlar stonework, along with cast and wrought iron elements. Each abutment has two rubble pylons with rear buttressing walls. The pylons are rectangular with battered bases, topped with turrets that have loop-holes on both the inner and river-facing sides, originally intended for suspension cables. They also have castellated parapets that project on ashlar corbels.

Connecting each pair of pylons is a four-centred chamfered ashlar arch that supports a rubble wall. The inner faces of this wall display two blank ashlar shields and a panel. The northern panel is inscribed with a dedication stating that the bridge was erected by voluntary subscription in 1830, with significant contributions from Ralph Riddell of Cheeseburgh Grange, Northumberland, facilitated by his agent, Mr. J. Douthwaite, who provided the land for the north abutment and wing walls.

The bridge deck is made of cast and wrought iron, supported by two cast-iron columns set into the river bed. The wrought-iron parapets have panels on their inner sides that read 'HEAD, ASHBY & Co. ENGINEERS 1865 STOCKTON-ON-TEES'. The original suspension structure suffered damage shortly after its construction, reportedly due to a herd of cattle crossing the bridge in unison. It was repaired but was eventually replaced by the current deck in 1865.