Old Dee Bridge, Medieval road bridge in Chester, England.
The Old Dee Bridge is a medieval road crossing that spans the River Dee with seven red sandstone arches. It connects Lower Bridge Street to the Handbridge area and underwent modifications in 1826 to add a footpath for both vehicle and pedestrian use.
The structure was built in 1387, replacing earlier Roman and wooden bridges that served as vital crossing points during military campaigns into Wales. It became an essential passage controlling movement between Chester and Welsh territories during medieval times.
The structure displays medieval engineering with varying arch sizes and the use of local red sandstone that creates a distinctive appearance throughout the crossing.
The bridge is accessible to pedestrians at all times as it primarily carries local traffic. It is best experienced on foot, allowing visitors to observe the architectural details and the surrounding historic city from above.
A defensive tower stood on the crossing from 1407 to 1781, controlling entry to Chester through a drawbridge and portcullis mechanism. This fortification served as a military checkpoint to prevent unauthorized passage into the city.
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