Killycor Bridge

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

A fine double arched bridge, with architectural pretensions , passing over the Faughan at Millbrook. The arches are set out in cut stone voissoirs approximately 500mm high with recessed ‘V’ joints. A chamfered string course follows the line of the road across the top of the arches. Unfortunately this does not quite miss the top of the voissoirs which are cut short to accommodate the course. A sand stone coping about one metre above the string course is also angled towards the river. The parapet is thicker than many of the bridges in the area at 700mm wide.

On the upstream parapet is a small piece of block repair at the apex of the south arch. On the downstream parapet much of the area above the north arch has been repaired in block. Apart from this both sides of the bridge are similar. There is little evidence of the block repairs on the inside of the parapets as here the stone has been replaced. Closer inspection reveals that the original coursing of the stone has not been followed in the repair. Underneath the bridge, particularly under the slower moving water of the south arch the original cobbled surface is largely intact.

Historical information

1831 map indicates a wooden bridge at this location. There is no mention of a bridge at this point in the Ordnance Survey Memoirs. The fishmongers Company owned the nearby corn and flax mill and it is likely that the bridge was part of the improvements to their estate carried out from the 1830s onwards. Probably built late in the first half of 19th century.

References:
Primary Sources:
1. OS Map 1st Edition,1830 Co Londonderry sheet 22
2. OS Map 2nd Edition,1848 Co Londonderry sheet 22
3.4. 'Ordnance Survey Memoirs of Ireland Vol.28. Parishes of County Londonderry IX', ed Angelique Day & Patrick McWilliams (QUB, 1995) p.4. P9

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

Not listed

Criteria for listing: historic interest

Not listed

Evaluation

A well preserved bridge with architecturally designed elevations. Undoubtedly compromised on site by the lowering of the string course onto the voissoirs. The setting is a beautifully wooded stretch of the Faughan River. It should be preserved for the enjoyment of future generations.