Upper Bridge

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

A simple segmental stone arch bridge spanning the Cookham burn in Tamnagh townland. The arch span is 3½ metres and its width 6 1/3 metres built of the local schist stone with low stone parapet capped with insitu concrete coping. On the intrados of the arch just at the springing construction stone corbels exist from which the formwork would have sprung for the arch construction. On one side of the arch, downstream, there is a flat stone buttress. As the road runs more or less parallel to the burn, it turns at right angles to cross the water, something that is characteristic of several bridges in the area. The voissoirs are long thin cut schist stones of even height.

Historical information

It is likely that the bridge is contemporaneous with Tamnagh bridge (HB01/01/025) and would date from late 18th century and constructed under the Grand Jury system.

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

Secondary Sources

IHR ref: NONE

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

Not listed

Criteria for listing: historic interest

Not listed

Evaluation

An interesting romantic rustic bridge constructed on a bend adding greatly to its visual aspect and its setting in the wild moorland.