Holne Bridge, Medieval road bridge in Ashburton, England
Holne Bridge is a stone road bridge that crosses the River Dart with four arches, three semicircular and one segmental in shape. The structure is protected on both sides by cutwaters that shield the stonework from floodwaters.
The bridge took its current form in 1413 after a flood destroyed the earlier structure, with Bishop Stafford issuing indulgences to raise money for rebuilding. This medieval design has endured through the centuries since then.
The bridge shaped life in both Holne and Ashburton, serving as the main crossing point where people from both communities met and traded for centuries. Today it remains a focal point where locals and visitors naturally gather while moving between the two villages.
The narrow deck restricts large vehicles, but pedestrian refuges built into the north-side cutwaters provide safe crossing points. When visiting, expect foot traffic and take care if driving a small vehicle across.
The structure serves as an official control point for water sports, marking the boundary between two paddling sections of the Dart. Kayakers and canoeists use this location as a key landmark during their river journeys.
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