Gorran Bridge

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

A triple-arch masonry arch bridge carries a 1 ½ lane minor road over the Aghadowey River. It is of squared random rubble construction throughout, built to courses.

There are angled cutwaters to both ends of the piers, rising to arch spring level and coped with flat dressed sandstone caps. These continue as dressed sandstone string courses through the arches. There are identical string courses along the tops of the abutments which wrap around each end.

The three equi-sized arches are of semicircular profile and have dressed sandstone voussoirs. The parapets are coped with rusticated and margined sandstone blocks; they terminate in out-projecting piers. There are metal bridge name plates at the west end of the upstream parapet and east end of the downstream one. A wooden stile just beyond the west end of the downstream parapet gives access to the riverbank.

Context
There is a house and garden just NW of the bridge, but it is otherwise surrounded by fields.

Historical information

The 1832 and 1849-53 OS maps both show a ford at this location; stepping stones are also depicted just downstream on the latter map. Gorran Bridge is first shown and explicitly cited on the 1904 OS map, indicating a later 19th century date of erection. It was undoubtedly financed by the Co Londonderry Grand Jury.

References – Primary sources:
1. PRONI OS/6/5/18/1. First edition OS six-inch map, Co Londonderry sheet 18 (1832).
2. PRONI OS/6/5/18/2. Second edition OS six-inch map, Co Londonderry sheet 18 (1848-53).
3. PRONI OS/10/5/18/2/1. First edition OS 25-inch map, Co Londonderry sheet 18-02 (1904).

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

A. Style
B. Proportion
C. Ornamentation
D. Plan Form
F. Structural System
J. Setting

Criteria for listing: historic interest

X. Local Interest
R. Age
S. Authenticity

Evaluation

Gorran Bridge is a triple-arched masonry road bridge of later 19th century date over the Aghadowey River. It is primarily of architectural interest, its style, proportion and embellishment are of a high standard. It enjoys an unspoiled rural setting.

General comments

Listing Criteria R - Age and S - Authenticity also apply.