Survey Data
Reg No
50080448
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Technical
Original Use
Bridge
Date
1760 - 1800
Coordinates
311155, 231787
Date Recorded
02/05/2013
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Single-arch bridge, built c.1780, renovated c.1990, spanning moat at castle entrance to east elevation and abutting castle tower. Rubble calp limestone walls with round arch having dressed limestone voussoirs and castellated parapets. Earthen finish to path. Bridge partially reconstructed to north wall, remnants of render finish to south wall.
Appraisal
A traditionally constructed bridge in unrefined locally-sourced stone resulting in an appealing textured visual effect. This eighteenth-century stone bridge replaced an earlier drawbridge structure. The moat was designed as a defensive measure to minimise the risk of enemy invasion, protecting people and animals within its enclosure. The replacement of the drawbridge with a stone bridge in the eighteenth century signifies a change in attitude to defence at the castle.