Monument record 179/45/0 - Nantwich Bridge, Welsh Row

The earliest reference to the town bridge dates from AD 1398-9, when a licence was granted to hold divine service St. Anne's chapel 'on or against' the bridge. It is mentioned again in 1438-9 when four shops are recorded 'on or against' the chapel. The early bridge was constructed of wood, and was described in 1622 as a '...strong timber bridge over the stream of the Weaver which is maintained by the town, which requires no little care and cost by reason of the monstrous carriage of the wood in carts which is brought thither for the boiling of the salt. The timber bridge was replaced by one of stone in 1664, which was in itself replaced by the present bridge in 1803 (1). Present structure is a single span stone arch with stone balustrade and cornice under modillions (2).

<1> Hall J, 1883, A History of the Town and Parish of Nantwich or Wich-Malbank in the County Palatine of Chester, p86, 125, 87 (Book). SCH80.

<2> Department of the Environment, 1971-2005, List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest, 1/13 (Report). SCH1934.