Monnow Bridge, Fortified medieval bridge in Monmouth, Wales
Description
Monnow Bridge is a fortified river crossing made of sandstone in Monmouth, Wales, featuring three round arches and a medieval gate tower at the northern end. The structure stretches 114 feet (34.8 meters) across the water and the passageway measures 24 feet (7.3 meters) wide between the thick stone walls.
History
Work began in the late 1200s when stone arches replaced a timber crossing that had stood at this spot since 1123. The gatehouse was added later to defend the northern entrance to the town during the Welsh wars.
Culture
Locals cross the structure daily as a footpath between neighborhoods, while visitors walk through the medieval gatehouse and view the river from the old arches. The name Monnow comes from the Welsh word for the river that has marked the boundary between England and Wales for centuries.
Practical
Visitors can walk across at any time since the crossing is open only to foot traffic and forms the main route into the town center. The passage through the gatehouse is level and the arches below provide shelter during rain.
Did you know?
The crossing is the only one in Britain that still carries its original gate tower on the deck itself rather than on a riverbank. The upper floor of the tower once served as living quarters and later as a jail for short sentences.
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