Armagh Down Bridge

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

This bridge spans the Newry River just downstream of Sugar Island Bridge and in front of the Newry Town Hall (HB16/28/018B) which is built on its downstream half.

The bridge comprises three equal sized shallow segmental arches, the soffits of which appear to be ashlar granite. The spandrels and parapets are of squared granite rubble. The parapets terminate in shallow projecting piers (except at upstream right side where it is absent). Semicircular cutwaters, of finely dressed granite, terminate at spring of arch level on up- and downstream sides. Finely dressed granite is also employed in the v-jointed voussoirs (which have protruding keystones), stringing and parapet copings (both with chamfered edges).

An ornate cast-iron lamp standard adorns each end of the upstream parapet. To centre of its inside face, on a slightly raised and chamfered parapet block, is a bronze plaque reading "Armaghdown Bridge/ Department of the Environment (N.I.)/ Roads Service". Between the lamps is a canon known as the 'Russian Trophy' (HB16/28/015). Above the crown of the central arch, on the outside face of the upstream parapet, raised letters read "NTC [Newry Town Council] 1891". On the downstream face, shallow piers project from above the cutwaters to the top of the parapet. That on the left bears an identical inscription to the upstream parapet.

Historical information

The bridge was built in 1891 in conjunction with the erection of the Town Hall, completed in 1893. Its name derives from the fact that it spans the county boundary between Armagh and Down.

Secondary Sources:
1. T. Canavan, 1989. 'Frontier town: an illustrated history of Newry', p.11 (Belfast: Blackstaff Press).

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

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

Criteria for listing: historic interest

V. Authorship
X. Local Interest

Evaluation

This is a well-executed bridge is typical of later 19th century design, with its shallow arch, use of ashlar and inscriptions. It is unique in N. Ireland in that a building is erected in conjunction with it. In combination, the bridge and building make an imposing contribution to the townscape hereabouts.