Caerhowel Bridge (also listed in Mongomery Community)

Cadw's description

Location

Carries the B4385 over the River Severn 1km approx S of the A483 at Garthmyl.

History

Until the mid C19, there was a timber bridge across the river at Caerhowel: following flooding of the Severn in 1852, it was decided to replace this bridge, and a suspension bridge (a taper chain bridge designed by James Dredge of London) was erected, and opened in 1854. In 1858 this bridge suddenly collapsed while carrying 2 teams of horses, and Thomas Penson, the county surveyor for Montgomeryshire, designed a replacement. It was cast at Brymbo Foundry. A bailey bridge has recently been erected across the road bed.

Exterior

The main structure is cast-iron, with stone abutments and central pier. Two-arched span, formed from 5 parallel cast-iron ribs, which are braced by wrought iron tie-bars connecting the spandrel struts. The ribs are doubled and linked by decorated cross-braces. Cast iron decking girders, with moulded panelled decoration to each outer face (lettered with names of Thomas Penson and the Brymbo Foundry). Decking girders and arch ribs are anchored into ashlar abutments and central pier. Terminal piers stepped out, with moulded cornice and pyramidal copings. Retaining wall to road bed at each outer end of rusticated ashlar. Keeled cutwater to central pier, which carries cast-plates on each inner face, recording the names of Penson and Brymbo, with the date of construction. Cast-iron railings (partly missing to W side), with middle rail, and cusped heads below the top rail.

Reason for designation

Listed as a fine example of cast-iron bridge construction, and of the work of Penson, and one of an important series of such bridges crossing the Severn.