Stamford Bridge is a historic bridge, in the village of Stamford Bridge, in the East Riding of Yorkshire in England.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/52/The_road_bridge_at_Stamford_Bridge_over_the_River_Derwent.jpg/220px-The_road_bridge_at_Stamford_Bridge_over_the_River_Derwent.jpg)
In the Roman period, the River Derwent could be crossed near the fort of Derventio by a ford. The first bridge in the area is believed to have been built during the existence of the Kingdom of Northumbria, a narrow, timber structure, which may have been on the site of the ford, or about 160 yards (150 m) downstream. The next record of a bridge is in 1280, on the downstream site, and this is probably the same structure described in 1581 as having stone piers supporting a timber bridge.[1]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ac/Footbridge_-_geograph.org.uk_-_261045.jpg/220px-Footbridge_-_geograph.org.uk_-_261045.jpg)
In 1727, a new bridge was constructed, a further 160 yards (150 m) downstream, where the river is narrower but deeper. It was designed by William Etty. It is built of stone, with three arches: a wider central arch, and narrower north and south arches which are usually dry. There are narrow refuges, formerly for pedestrians, and a stone parapet.[2]
In 1765, the road became a turnpike, and it was tolled until 1812.[1] Its southern span was widened in the 19th century. It has been grade II* listed since 1952, and was formerly also a scheduled ancient monument.[2] The bridge now carries the A166 road,[2] from York to Bridlington.[1] In 1967, a steel footbridge was constructed alongside the road bridge.[1]
The bridge was damaged after a number of traffic strikes and was closed for a number of weeks in 2024 to undergo repairs to the stone parapets. Traffic bollards were also installed to prevent further collisions.[3]
References
edit- ^ a b c d A History of the County of York East Riding: Volume 3, Ouse and Derwent Wapentake, and Part of Harthill Wapentake. London: Victoria County History. 1976. Retrieved 27 November 2022.
- ^ a b c Historic England. "Bridge over River Derwent (1346426)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 1 December 2022.
- ^ Shoesmith, Kevin (12 July 2024). "Historical bridge reopens after repairs". BBC News. Retrieved 13 July 2024.