MYTHE BRIDGE 1826 nr. Tewkesbury, Glouchester Thomas Telford SO889 337 N52o 0’ 7.1” W2o 9’ 47.1”
This bridge over the Severn River near its Avon junction - with its charming gothic toll house, its pointed arches in the abutments as well as the detailing on the stone piers, and even the detailing of the outer cast iron arches - has a medieval touch. It is also distinguished by being Telford’s longest cast iron bridge at 170 feet. As usual, Telford has combined iron and stone into a beautifully orchestrated play of lightness and solidity. Telford’s letter dated March 11, 1828 to the Institution of Civil Engineers refers to this bridge as being “rather special”. The spandrels have the latticework design, internal cross-bracing, and tie rods that he and William Hazledine used on other bridges during this era of their collaboration, such as the Holt Fleet Bridge.
To find it from Tewkesbury city center, follow the signs to Ledbury. This bridge now carries the A438 over the Avon one lane at a time.