Description and History of Site:-
Completed in 1791, this bridge was the lowest crossing on the River Trent below Newark. Designed by William Weston, it features three semi-elliptical stone arches spanning 62 ft (18.9 m), 70 ft (21.3 m), and 62 ft (18.9 m), supporting a 26 ft 3 in (8.0 m) wide deck.

Originally built as a toll bridge, with toll houses at the eastern end, it was commercially successful from the outset. Tolls were collected until 31 March 1932. Today, the bridge carries the A631 trunk road and was widened in 1964 with cantilevered reinforced concrete footpaths and iron balustrades replacing the original stone railings. Despite the heavy modern traffic, the bridge remains in good condition.

The eastern toll houses survive and are listed separately. Although little known in England, William Weston went on to enjoy a distinguished career in America.

Further Reading and References:-
Falconer, Keith. 'Guide to England's Industrial Heritage'. Batsford, 1980
Labrum E A, Civil Engineering Heritage - Eastern and Central England, Thomas Telford, 1994
Pevsner N. and Harris J. The buildings of England: Lincolnshire. (2nd ed) Penguin Books, London, 1989.
Wright N R, Lincolnshire's Industrial Heritage - A Guide, Society for Lincolnshire History and Archaeology, 2004

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Key Words :- single arch stone road bridge

Viewing the Site :- Can be viewed from the public road

Address :- A631 Bridge Road, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, DN21 1LP
Grid Ref :- SK 81453 89078
Co-ordinates :- Lat 53.392265 , Long -0.776627
Local Authority :- West Lindsey District Council
Pre 1974 County :- Lincolnshire - Lindsey
Site Status :- Listed - Grade II
Historic England List No - 1370384, 1359747,
Site Condition :- Operational site, in use for original purpose
Site Dates :- 1761 - current
Contributor :- John Suter - 25 September 2016

Copyright :- cc-by-nc-sa 4.0 © John Suter