New Bridge

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

A 3 arch ashlar sandstone bridge spanning the River Roe. Each arch is segmented, spanning approximately 6 metres springing from vertical supports which project beyond the arches to form semi-circular and half-domed breakwaters, upstream and downstream. A plain stringcourse defines the springing line and continues around the breakwaters. Above each breakwater a shallow buttress which carries up through the parapet wall.

Each arch has well executed voissoirs with rock faces and tooled margins. A plain string course defines the bottom of the parapet wall and equal depth to the coping stone. The abutments of the bridge continue well beyond the high riverbanks. The length of the parapets is 40 metres and the carriage width 6½ metres. The parapet is horizontal throughout its length which greatly adds to the handsome composition that the bridge presents. A commemorative stone plaque with moulded and sunken panel is on the parapet wall. Unfortunately it is undecipherable.

The bridge spans the river between Burnfoot on the west bank and the Derryork Road approach from the East. The landscape adjacent is flat with raised double banks to the river. Downstream, on the west bank, a small recreational area has been created with riverside walks.

Historical information

There is no mention of the former bridge in the O.S. Memoirs of 1834-5 and John McCluskey states “There are few bridges in Boveva, and those few sufficiently clumsy”. The bridge details are not unlike those on a bridge at Ballyroney described by W.A. McCutcheon as a mid 19th century structure but shows more sophistication in execution.

EHS 1st “Building Survey” states it appears on 1905 O.S. 6” map and describes the plaque as reading “Built / by / Arthur Huston / Cavanocor / …../ …..”
IHR Ref Number 1831.

References

Primary Sources
1. O.S. map 1st Edition 1832 Co. Londonderry sheet 24.
2. EHS 1st Buildings Survey – Descriptive notes

Secondary Sources
1. John McCluskey – Statistical Reports of Six Derry Parishes 1821 p. 74
2. W.A. McCutcheon – The Industrial Archaeology of Northern Ireland pl. 2A.

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

A. Style
B. Proportion
C. Ornamentation
J. Setting

Criteria for listing: historic interest

X. Local Interest

Evaluation

A handsome 3 arch bridge in a chaste classical style built in well executed and detailed ashlar sandstone of the later 19th century.