Leap Bridge

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

Leap Bridge is a triple-arch masonry bridge carrying a minor two-lane road leading to Crumlin over the Glenavy River a short distance north of the main Glenavy-Aghalee Road. The right-bank (N) arch is dry in normal circumstances.

The bridge is constructed of random rubble masonry throughout. There are angled cutwaters on its upstream (E) and downstream (W) elevations, rising to arch spring level; their angled caps continue up to the base of the parapets. The three arches are of equal size and semicircular profile, all with roughly dressed voussoirs. The soffits have been gunited, however, no wall breaks are discernible in the exposed abutments which suggests that the bridge was never widened. Two tie bars run through the spandrels of the end arches. The arches and spandrels on both elevations are slightly inset from the parapets and abutments. The parapets are coped with a mixture of squared random rubble blocks and unworked stones set on edge. Both parapets have been repaired in places with squared stone slabs.

Their north ends curve out to terminate in matching pairs of cylindrical cone-topped rubble masonry gate piers or Ulster pillars supporting wrought iron gates.

Historical information

This bridge is probably of 18th century date. The road on which it is situated is shown over the Glenavy River on Taylor & Skinner’s 1777 map of Ireland and its plain vernacular style would accord with this period. A crossing is also shown on Lendrick’s 1780 map of Co Antrim. The bridge is cited as ‘Leap Br’ on the 1832-33 OS six-inch map and subsequent editions.

References - Primary sources:
1. Taylor, G. & Skinner, A. Maps of the Roads of Ireland, Surveyed 1777 (Dublin, 1778).
2. Lendrick, J. A Map of the County of Antrim from Actual Survey (1780).
3. PRONI OS/6/1/59/1. First edition OS six-inch map, Co Antrim sheet 59 (1832-33).

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

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

Criteria for listing: historic interest

X. Local Interest

Evaluation

The triple-arch masonry bridge is likely to be of mid 18th century date and a good example of vernacular construction. The recessing of its arches and spandrels relative to the parapets and abutments is similar to the upstream face of Glenavy Bridge (HB19/01/006) and may be a regional stylistic variant. Modern parapet repairs detract slightly from its character.
Leap Bridge is a well preserved, largely unaltered and still functioning 18th century bridge. Set in an unspoiled rural setting with symmetrical pairs of round stone pillars and gates to the north, It is of local architectural and historic interest.