Summary of Monument
Single span bridge called Oare Bridge.
Reasons for Designation
Medieval and early post-medieval single span bridges are structures designed to carry a road or track over a river by means of a single arch, typically 3m- 6m in span. They were constructed throughout the medieval period, most commonly using timber. Stone began to be used instead of timber in the 12th century and became increasingly common in the 14th and 15th centuries. Many medieval bridges were repaired, modified or extensively rebuilt in the post- medieval period. During the medieval period the construction and maintenance of bridges was frequently carried out by large estates and the Church, especially monastic institutions which developed long distance packhorse routes between their landholdings. Some stone built medieval bridges still survive. These can be classified into three main types based on the profile of the arch which is typically pointed, semi-circular or flattened. A common medieval feature is the presence of stone ashlar ribs underneath the arch. The bridge abutments and revetting of the river banks also form part of the bridge. Where medieval bridges have been altered in later centuries, original features are sometimes concealed behind later stonework, including remains of earlier timber bridges. Bridges were common and important features of medieval towns and the countryside and allowed easy access along a well developed road and track-way system. A large number retain significant medieval or post-medieval remains, allowing the original form of the bridge to be determined. The single span bridge called Oare Bridge survives well and retains its original form and features although it has required maintenance and repair.
History
See Details.
Details
This record was the subject of a minor enhancement on 4 August 2015. This record has been generated from an "old county number" (OCN) scheduling record. These are monuments that were not reviewed under the Monuments Protection Programme and are some of our oldest designation records.
This monument includes a single span bridge which crosses the Oare Water in the settlement of Oare. The bridge survives as a humpbacked single span stone built structure with a semi-circular arch, rubble coping on the parapets, splayed abutments and a narrow carriageway carrying a vehicular road. It is thought to date to the 18th century. The bridge is Listed Grade II.
Selected Sources
Other
PastScape Monument No:-35923
National Grid Reference: SS 80211 47452