Ling Bridge

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

A single segmental stone arch bridge over the Glenrandal River well built and in good condition. The arch springs from vertical stone footings capped with a cutstone rounded string course and the whole returns at the upstream and downstream ends to form good cutwaters. The voussoirs are similar to those of the Glenrandal Bridge but greater in depth, approximately 700 x 300mm. The stonework of the intrados of the arch is carefully coursed to match the bottom edges of the voussoirs and has a span of 13 metres. Above the arch the stonework continues in random rubble to a cutstone string course at carriage way level and then continues to form the parapet with a hogback stone coping.

The arch being segmental creates an immense thrust which is counteracted by thickening the bridge walls with batters. The length of the parapets is 33 metres and the width between 6 metres.

Historical information

The bridges over the Glenrandal river appear to be of the same date and that at Cumber is circa 1800 referred to in the Ordnance Survey Memoir.

References:

Primary Sources:
1. OS Map 1st Edition 1831 Co Londonderry 22
2. 'Ordnance Survey Memoirs of Ireland Vol.28. Parishes of County Londonderry IX', ed Angelique Day & Patrick McWilliams (QUB, 1995) p4 p9

Secondary Sources:
J D McCutcheon:'Industrial Archaeology of Northern Ireland'

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

Not listed

Criteria for listing: historic interest

Not listed

Evaluation

A robust and capably designed stone bridge making a fine contribution to the Glenrandal River valley.