MSO10646 - Simonsbath Bridge (Building)

A bridge that crosses the River Barle, originally thought to date to the medieval period but that has been extensively rebuilt, particularly following the 1952 flood. It was recorded as being constructed of wood in 1543 by John Leland.

A road bridge over the River Barle. This is medieval in origin, but has been subsequently extensively rebuilt, especially after the 1952 floods. The structure is made of flat bedded slate, random rubble voussoirs, slate bedded on end to form saddle back coping. It has a three arch span. The west side has three semi-circular headed arches, and cutwaters rising to the spring of the arch, with flat pilasters above. The east side has a pointed arch central opening, which is flanked by two slightly different semi-circular headed arches, cutwaters between with recessed ledge, and the parapet is rebuilt behind. (A photograph is available from the NMR). [1] The bridge is annotated on the 1st Edition Ordnance Survey map. [2] The bridge was first named by the traveller and antiquary John Leland in 1540. [3] The building was visited in September 2012 as part of the rapid condition survey of Exmoor's Listed Buildings 2012-13. It received a BAR score of 6. [4] John Leland writes in 1543 that "there rennith at this place caullid Simonsbath a ryver betwixt to great morisch hilles in a depe botom, and ther is a bridge of woodde over this water." [5]