Description and History of Site:-
There is a reference to a bridge at Piercebridge in an Assize Roll of 1243. Leland describes it in 1540 as "Perse bridge sumtime of 5 arches but late made new of three arches" . The early sixteenth century would therefore appear to be the likely period for the construction of the bridge. It has three arches; the central arch has a span of 21.64m and the two side arches each have spans of 16.76m. After it had been badly damaged by the 1771 flood it was necessary for traffic to revert to using the ford until the bridge was repaired and widened on the downstream side between 1789 and 1797.

Further Reading and References:-
Morris, C H. Bridges over the Tees. Research Report No 7. Cleveland Industrial Archaeology Society, 2000.
Jervoise, E. The ancient bridges of the north of England. Architectural Press, 1931; reprinted by E. P. Publishing, 1973.

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Key Words :- river tees masonry bridge

Viewing the Site :- Visible from pavement / road

Address :- B6275, Cliffe, Piercebridge, North Yorkshire, DL2 3SG
Grid Ref :- NZ 2108 1555
Co-ordinates :- Lat 54.534788 , Long -1.675743
Local Authority :- Darlington Borough Council
Pre 1974 County :- Yorkshire - North Riding
Site Status :- Scheduled Ancient Monument SAM
Historic England List No - 1131363,
Site Condition :- Operational site, in use for original purpose
Site Dates :- Early C16 -
Record Date :- 19 January 2016

Copyright :- cc-by-nc-sa 4.0 © Charles Morris