Crooked Bridge

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

A two semi-circular stone arch bridge spanning the River Faughan in upper Dreen. Each arch spans 4½ metres and width between what remains of the parapets is similar. The parapets are non-existent having probably disintegrated over the decades.The approach roads on either side are below the crown of the bridge which is partly flat but nevertheless has a positive hump backed appearance. Built of quarried schist and rounded river stones the arch voissoirs are thicker and heavier than that encountered on other bridges. The cutwater or breakwater between the arches are triangular in profile and capped similarly.The approach road to the bridge from Park peters out as a surfaced road some 500 metres before it and after is only a cart track. It is thought that this was the old coach road from Park via Mount Hamilton to Draperstown and Cookstown.

The bridge has recently been repaired with footings widened in concrete and stonework repointed. There is no evidence of construction corbels

Historical information

Probably 2nd half of 18th century. Indicated on early ordnance survey sheets

IHR Ref not given

Primary Sources:
1. OS Map 1st Edition 1831, Co Londonderry sheet 29

Secondary Sources:
1. DoE Roads Service (verbal information)

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

Not listed

Criteria for listing: historic interest

Not listed

Evaluation

A poignant romantic rustic bridge removed from habitation and set in the upper Faughan valley on the lower slopes of Sawel mountain in the midst of bleak moorland.