Old Dee Bridge
River Dee, Chester, Cheshire, UK
associated engineer
Henry de Snelleston
date 14th century
UK era Medieval |
category Bridge |
reference SJ406657
ICE reference number HEW 105
photo donation
This masonry bridge on the vital medieval route between England and North Wales has seven different spans: the choice of design used for each having depended on the wealth of the local trade guild that financed it.
The bridge is made of red sandstone. Its arches vary between 23ft and 60ft in span. One of the arches is semicircular, two are segmental and four are pointed. The bridge's piers have broad cutwaters and most have recesses, or a widening of the trafficway, above them.
Henry de Snelleston was mason and surveyor to Edward the Black Prince. His bridge, which replaced an earlier one on this site, has been rebuilt and repaired many times. The last major work was in 1826 when a footway was added on the eastern side.
This was the only bridge across the River Dee at Chester until 1832.
Research: PD
bibliography
"Chester Archaeological Society", Vol 30, 1933
Drawings, Chester CC Highways, Backford, Chester
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