Barnstaple Long Bridge

History of Barnstaple Longbridge

The Barnstaple Longbridge, also simply known as Barnstaple Bridge, is a historic stone bridge that spans the River Taw in Barnstaple, North Devon. It is one of the oldest and longest bridges in the region, with a rich history that has played a vital role in the development of Barnstaple as a major market town and trading center.

Early History and Construction

The origins of the Barnstaple Longbridge date back to the 13th century, making it over 700 years old. Before its construction, crossing the River Taw would have been done by ferry or ford, which could be dangerous and unreliable, particularly during high tides or bad weather. The construction of a bridge was a significant advancement, facilitating trade and communication between Barnstaple and the surrounding areas.

The original bridge is believed to have been a wooden structure. However, by the early 13th century, stone bridges were becoming more common across England due to their durability and ability to withstand the elements. The Barnstaple Longbridge was likely constructed during this period, with various records suggesting that a stone bridge was in place by the mid-13th century. Its construction was a major undertaking for the town, requiring significant resources and labor.

Medieval Expansion and Design

Initially, the bridge consisted of around 16 arches, making it one of the longest medieval bridges in England. Its multi-arched design was typical of medieval bridge construction, with the arches allowing floodwaters to pass through without damaging the structure. The exact date of its completion is not recorded, but the bridge was certainly well established by the 14th century.

Barnstaple’s importance as a market town meant that the Longbridge played a crucial role in local commerce. The bridge connected the town to the rural areas on the opposite side of the River Taw, allowing for the easy transportation of goods, livestock, and people to Barnstaple’s famous Pannier Market. This helped the town thrive economically during the medieval period and into the following centuries.

Renovations and Changes

Over the centuries, the Longbridge has undergone several significant repairs and alterations. The most substantial changes took place during the 18th and 19th centuries as the bridge was adapted to accommodate increasing traffic and new forms of transportation.

In the late 18th century, the bridge was widened to support the growing number of horse-drawn vehicles and carts. Further renovations in the 19th century saw the bridge expanded again, this time to accommodate the early motor vehicles of the era. These modifications helped the bridge continue to serve as a vital transport route, connecting Barnstaple with outlying villages and towns.

Despite these changes, the bridge retained much of its original medieval character. Many of its arches are still the original 13th-century stonework, making it a rare and historically significant structure.

The Modern Longbridge

Today, Barnstaple Longbridge is still in use, though it has been supplemented by more modern bridges and road systems to manage the increase in traffic. It remains a key crossing point over the River Taw and is a landmark of the town.

The bridge has 16 visible arches and is approximately 560 feet (170 meters) in length, making it one of the longest medieval stone bridges in England. Though modern roadways have taken over much of the region’s heavy transport, the Longbridge continues to be an important connection for local traffic.

In recognition of its historical importance, the Barnstaple Longbridge is a Grade I listed structure, protecting it as an essential part of the nation’s heritage. Visitors can still walk or drive across the bridge today, taking in its impressive arches and appreciating its long-standing role in Barnstaple’s history.

Importance to Barnstaple and Beyond

Barnstaple Longbridge has been integral to the town’s growth and prosperity for centuries. As a primary route for goods, traders, and visitors, it played a central role in Barnstaple’s development as a bustling market town and economic hub in North Devon. The bridge helped establish Barnstaple as a vital crossing point along the River Taw, connecting the northern and southern parts of the region.

Its long history and resilience through centuries of use make it a symbol of Barnstaple’s enduring importance in North Devon. Today, it stands not only as a functional bridge but as a monument to the town’s rich medieval heritage, a lasting reminder of the craftsmanship and ambition of the generations that built and maintained it.

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