Piercebridge Roman Bridge

Piercebridge Roman Bridge consists of stone remains featuring five massive piers that once stretched across the river. The partially preserved supports show evidence of wooden fixture holes used in the bridge's original construction.

The bridge was constructed around 90 AD to carry Dere Street across the river, linking important Roman military routes. Its remains were uncovered in 1972 during gravel extraction work at the site.

This location served as a vital crossing point for Roman military movement and trade traffic. The remains tell the story of how armies and merchants relied on this infrastructure to connect distant regions.

The remains sit about 90 meters south of where the river now flows, so you will not find them surrounded by water. Walking around the site allows you to examine the stone structures from different angles and understand how the ancient crossing worked.

Some archaeologists believe the structure may have functioned as a navigation dam, suggesting an elaborate Roman river transport network. Archaeological finds from the site provide evidence of how extensively this waterway was used for moving goods and military supplies.

Location: High Coniscliffe

Website: https://english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/piercebridge-roman-bridge

GPS coordinates: 54.53600,-1.67100

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:03