Bridgefoot Bridge

Bridgefoot Bridge is where the A37 Fosse Way crosses the River Brue near Lydford. The fact that the A37 still follows the Roman alignment suggests that there was a crossing here nearly 2000 years ago, and quite possibly a bridge in Roman times. However, the modern bridge is a little newer.

The bridge standing today dates back to c1820, when the western half was built. It is a single stone arch span decorated only by a string course at road level. In 1958 it was widened on the upstream side by the addition of a rather dull concrete extension, topped by a rubble parapet to match the older one. The widening has resulted in wide grass verges on either side of the roadway across the bridge, which survive despite most bridges having isolated stretches of pavement!

The predecessor to the current structure was called the Fosse Bridge and apparently sited a little way downstream. This would have, oddly, put it off what appears to be the alignment of the Roman Road, however no evidence of the bridge survives as it was demolished soon after the new bridge was built, so its true site is unknown.