Norwich Fyebridge Rebuilding

Fyebridge rebuilding 00 [ Map ]

Probably the site of the earliest bridge to be built in the City. In 1869 when trenching was being carried out for a new drainage scheme a series of piles was found buried not only under the street but in the river. They are believed to have supported a wooden plankway over the water. Their age is unknown. Records prove that a bridge was here by about 1153, and in 1273 the customs at this bridge and the shops and stalls on the quay on the south side of the river went to maintain it. A timber structure until Henry IV’s time, it was then rebuilt of stone with two arches. In 1570 it was washed down by a flood, but three years later a new bridge of two arches was completed, the larger arch being 26 feet wide. Considerably repaired in 1756 it was taken down in 1829 when a cast-iron bridge of a single 36 feet span was erected in its place. The carriageway, originally 22 feet wide was widened on the west side at the end of the 19th century to 36 feet to allow for a path on each side and no doubt to accommodate the new tramways.

Construction of the present bridge commenced in May 1932 by the removal of about 15 feet in width of the old cast-iron bridge, leaving just sufficient room for he single tram-track. The first half of the new bridge was opened to traffic on 1st July 1933, shortly after which the remainder of the old bridge was removed to enable work to commence on finishing the new structure. It was completely opened to traffic, without ceremony, on 29th May 1934. The work was estimated to cost £22,132 and alterations to the sewerage system £7,170. The bridge is of reinforced concrete faced with brickwork, the elevation design being in mediaeval style. It is 50 feet between the parapets and has two spans, each 35 feet wide.

Fyebridge rebuilding 01 [ August 1931 to May 1932 ]