Elvet Bridge, Durham
Hugh de Puiset, Prince-Bishop of Durham and known as "Bishop Pudsey" to his friends, did a heap of building in Northern England in the 12th century. In 1160 AD, he started construction on the Elvet Bridge over the Wear River to connect Durham with the suburb of Elvet. The work was still going on in 1228, even with the granting of indulgences.
The bridge has ten arches that can be seen. Its style is mostly like the old Roman arched bridges, although the Elvet Bridge arches are slightly pointed. It has stood the test of time very well. In the Middle Ages, it was guarded by gates and towers. There were buildings on the bridge with chapels at either end.
Of the chapels, St James' and St Andrews', only St Andrews' at the eastern end has survived. The pedestrianized bridge is reputed to be the narrowest row-through bridge in Europe. It leads from the Cathedral peninsula to the Elvet side, east of Durham. Exceptionally fine views of the Wear River and the Durham Cathedral can be enjoyed from the bridge. A footpath runs around the Cathedral.
The bridge has ten arches that can be seen. Its style is mostly like the old Roman arched bridges, although the Elvet Bridge arches are slightly pointed. It has stood the test of time very well. In the Middle Ages, it was guarded by gates and towers. There were buildings on the bridge with chapels at either end.
Of the chapels, St James' and St Andrews', only St Andrews' at the eastern end has survived. The pedestrianized bridge is reputed to be the narrowest row-through bridge in Europe. It leads from the Cathedral peninsula to the Elvet side, east of Durham. Exceptionally fine views of the Wear River and the Durham Cathedral can be enjoyed from the bridge. A footpath runs around the Cathedral.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Durham. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Elvet Bridge on Map
Sight Name: Elvet Bridge
Sight Location: Durham, England (See walking tours in Durham)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Durham, England (See walking tours in Durham)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Durham, England
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Durham Introduction Walking Tour
The monks from Lindisfarne were on the run in 995, the Vikings hot behind. The monks were carrying the body of Saint Cuthbert. The Saint's bier stopped. Along came a milkmaid who had lost her dun cow. The coffin moved and the monks followed the maid to a high hill by the River Wear. The bier stopped again and, despite the effort of the monks, would not move. The monks had found their place.
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles