Needham Bridge, Newry, Co Down BT34

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

Needham Bridge spans the Newry River and connects the town centre with Monaghan Row to the west.

It is of finely dressed granite ashlar throughout, with a shallow segmental arch, the voussoirs of which are v-joined and married into the spandrels, which have v-banded rustication. Shallow projecting abutments, also with banded rustication.

The parapet comprises a bracketed wrought iron railing on a low granite plinth with chamfered and rusticated coping. Below it runs a projecting string course. On the outside face of this plinth, at centre, a raised inscription reads '1831', and on the corresponding downstream side 'Needham Bridge'. On right bank, the railings turn out and terminate in rusticated piers with oversailing hipped caps. The parapet measures 19.4m (63' 6") on the straight and 10.9m across (35' 9"), including a footpath on each side of road.

On the up and downstream sides of left bank abutment, reinforced concrete beams have been inserted diagonally to widen the approach.

Historical information

A contract for the construction of this bridge was drawn up in April 1831 between James Clarke (mason), Samuel Boyd (merchant) and the town's Bridge Committee. It was designed by T.I. Duff and T. Jackson. The work was completed in October of the same year at a cost of £700, this being met by public subscription.

The bridge is probably named after Robert Needham, Earl of Kilmorey and Viscount Newry & Mourne. The 1830s' Ordnance Survey Memoir describes it thus: "Built by private subscription in 1830 [sic] and remains as yet comparatively useless, as the communication with the Armagh side of the town is cut off by the canal at this part except for foot passengers who are crossed in a sort of barge on paying one ha'penny. A swivel bridge is about to be erected by the inhabitants of the town and the canal company in conjunction." Clarke also had the contract for the erection of the canal bridge to Monaghan Row, but it was to be several more years before this was finished.

The bridge as it now exists differs from the original design specification in two respects. First, it is slightly wider than its intended 32ft width. Second, the proposed masonry parapets were scrapped in favour of railings (the existing ones may well be original).

It may also be of interest to note that the bridge bears a striking resemblance to Donard Bridge, Newcastle. Nearby Donard Lodge (now demolished) was partly designed by Duff and Jackson, and it is likely that they also designed the adjoining bridge which was erected in 1835.

Primary Sources:

1.PRONI - T 3006/1 (1831 contract specification), T 3006/3 (scale drawing accompanying contract).
2.Ordnance Survey Memoir, Newry Parish.

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

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

Criteria for listing: historic interest

X. Local Interest
V. Authorship

Evaluation

This bridge is well maintained in good condition and a well known local landmark. Architecturally, it is elegantly proportioned, its features all being well executed and intact. Historically it also of interest on account of its association with the Needham family and the fact that it was erected by public subscription rather than through the Grand Jury presentment system.