Magdalen Bridge, Stone arch bridge at Magdalen College, Oxford, England.
Magdalen Bridge is a stone arch bridge spanning the River Cherwell with eleven arches, including three semicircular arches designed for each branch of the waterway. The structure connects High Street to The Plain roundabout and serves as a main thoroughfare for vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians in east Oxford.
Several arches of the original structure collapsed in 1772, prompting rebuilding. Architect John Gwynn designed the current stone bridge, which was built between 1772 and 1790.
On May Morning, residents and students gather here to listen to the choir singing from Magdalen Tower as the sun rises. This annual tradition has made the bridge a special meeting place for the community.
The bridge is easily accessible on foot and offers good views of the River Cherwell and the surrounding Magdalen College buildings. It is best to visit early in the morning when traffic is lighter and the light is better for photography.
A hidden tunnel runs beneath the bridge, allowing the choir of Magdalen College School to reach the Waynflete Building without crossing the road. This underground passage shows the practical planning from the time of its construction.
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