St George's Bridge

St George's Bridge was a medieval stone bridge spanning the River Severn with six large stone arches connecting Frankwell to central Shrewsbury via Mardol. Its solid construction supported both pedestrian and vehicular traffic between these two parts of the town.

Construction began around 1262, establishing a primary crossing over the Severn for centuries. By 1795 it was demolished to make room for the Welsh Bridge, which replaced its role as the main passage.

The bridge functioned as a marketplace where shops lined its length and people gathered for commerce. This mixed-use character made it more than just a crossing, transforming it into a social and economic hub.

The bridge was relatively narrow for its traffic demands, making passage sometimes crowded during peak times. Nothing remains visible at the original location today, though excavations revealed fragments now preserved elsewhere.

One dry arch from the original bridge survived its demolition and was later uncovered in the foundations of Theatre Severn during excavations in the late 2000s. This hidden remnant offers a tangible connection to the medieval structure.

GPS coordinates: 52.71028,-2.75667

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:44