Old Bridge, Dumfries

Building began circa 1431, but much rebuilt and altered. Bridge comprising 6 - originally 9 - arches over River Nith. 1619

flood demolished 5 arches, these rebuilt (doubtless on 15th

century piers or footings) 1620-21. Frequently repaired, eg

Gilbert Smith, 1725; parapets rebuilt. 3 eastmost arches

demolished in first half of 19th century as part of Whitesands

land reclamation scheme. Built of coursed red sandstone,

arches with ashlar voussoirs with chamfered edges and unribbed

soffits, pointed cutwaters splayed inwards below level of

arch crowns, central cutwaters carried upwards as pedestrian

refuges and mark site of former "port" (toll-gate), demolished

1769 to lessen weight on pier (there had previously been

2 ports). Eastmost half of bridge is fairly regular on plan

with parapets set at lower level (eastmost arch is slightly

wider, steps at truncated E end; westmost half of bridge is

irregular on plan), suggesting earlier building date,

particularly at pointed westmost arch; abutments and parapets

splayed towards N, perhaps to allow for possible defence.