Knockan Bridge

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

A 4 arch stone bridge over the Owenbeg River in Knockan townland.

Sandstone random rubble stonework with almost semi-circular arches. The 2 centre arches span approximately 4½ metres while the outer arches span 4 metres. The arches spring from low supporting walls and have neatly cut voissoirs. The supporting walls have breakwaters up and downstream in triangular form and an apron in the form of a band of concrete has been applied to each. The soffits of the arches has rough rubble finish with mortar daubing. The carriageway over the bridge is slightly humped and is 6½ metres wide increasing to 8 metres at either end. Length of parapet wall 60 metres. The present coping is concrete with hogsback profile and under can be discerned the vertical stone coping. At the eastern end of the bridge is a wrought iron field gate with good stone piers with flat pyramidal caps.

The bridge and its leafy environment makes a most picturesque scene and its closeness to Knockan and Ashpark houses makes a pleasing group
setting.

Historical information

The use of semi-circular arch construction suggest erection date of late 18th cent. constructed under the Grand Jury system. The bridge is described in O.S. Memoirs as a “neat bridge”, “built of cut freestone”. This bridge carried the main road from Dungiven to Derry before the construction of the road via the Foreglen. ( At the time Messrs Hunter of Drumovit House and Brown of Comber House objected to its construction as it would divert passing traffic away from Feeny and Claudy.)
I H R No. 1961

References

Primary Sources
1. O.S. Map 1830 Londonderry sh. 30
2. O.S. Map 1830 Rev. 1856 Londonderry sh. 30
3. O.S. Memoirs of Ireland, Parishes of Six Londonderry X 1833-4, 1838
Ed by Angelique Day and Patrick McWilliams Q.U.B. p. 5, 30, 31
4. Notes 1st Survey, Built Heritage, 5-33 Hill Street, Belfast

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

A. Style
B. Proportion
C. Ornamentation
F. Structural System
H-. Alterations detracting from building
J. Setting

Criteria for listing: historic interest

X. Local Interest

Evaluation

An impressive late 18th cent. humped 4 arch rubble sandstone bridge having semi-circular arch construction within a most picturesque setting. It forms a pleasant group with Knockan and Ashpark houses and the Old Feeny Road with its mature trees.