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.
Location: Oxford
Official opening: 1790
GPS coordinates: 51.75100,-1.24600
Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:41
Magdalen College
108 m
University of Oxford Botanic Garden
168 m
Addison's Walk
163 m
Florey Building
200 m
Magdalen Tower
97 m
Founders Tower
145 m
St Hildas College, Piers And Gates To South Building
270 m
The Main (or Danby) Gateway In The Centre With Its Flanking Wall And 2 Doorways
101 m
The Black Horse Inn The Cottage
240 m
15, Merton Street
296 m
Entrance Screen Of The Examination Schools Fronting Merton Street
280 m
Magdalen College, The New School Room
236 m
University Registry Annexe
289 m
St Hildas College, Old Hall
203 m
Magdalen College, Hall, Great Quadrangle
94 m
Stone on the east corner of Magdalen Tower, in the High Street
80 m
Magdalen College, Chapel, Great Quadrangle
128 m
Magdalen College, The Old Grammar Hall
179 m
Fountain In The Centre Of The Garden
117 m
Magdalen College, St Swithins Quadrangle
210 m
18, Merton Street
275 m
Wall Between Main Gate And Magdalen College Bursary
87 m
16, Merton Street
289 m
58, 58A And 59, High Street
264 m
Magdalen College, Range On The High Street
112 m
Magdalen College, Cloister, Great Quadrangle
123 m
The Library And Herbarium Of The Botanic Gardens
65 m
17, Merton Street
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