Bishop Bridge, Norwich

Bishop Bridge
Bishop Bridge in 2009
Coordinates52°37′57″N 1°18′31″E / 52.63244°N 1.30862°E / 52.63244; 1.30862
OS grid referenceTG 23993 08991
CarriesBishopsgate
CrossesRiver Wensum
LocaleNorwich, England
Next upstreamJarrold Bridge
Next downstreamFoundry Bridge
Characteristics
MaterialBrick, stone, flint
Width6.05 metres (19.8 ft)
Clearance below3.2 metres (10 ft)
History
Constructed byRichard Spynk
Builtc. 1340
Statistics
Listed Building – Grade II*
Designated26 February 1954
Reference no.1205642
Location
Interactive map of Bishop Bridge
References

Bishop Bridge is a grade II* listed medieval bridge of brick, stone and flint across the River Wensum in Norwich, England. It is the only remaining medieval bridge in the city, located at the east end of the street Bishopsgate, east of the Norwich Cathedral. Bishop Bridge and its former Bishop's Bridge Gate were so named as they gave entrance to the Bishop's Palace. The bridge is scheduled as an ancient monument.

Initially a ford that was possibly on a Roman road, it later became a timber bridge. Permission for a more established bridge and gate was granted by Edward I in 1275, and Richard Spynk oversaw the bridge's construction in circa 1340. It featured a gatehouse atop its western side until 1790 when the gate was demolished to protect the bridge.