UPPER CLATFORD (Clapford?) BRIDGE 1843 Andover Hampshire HEW 502 SU357 435 {N51o 11' 22.6" W1o 29' 19.8"}
A two-span bridge in cast iron from the foundry of Tasker and Fowle at Andover. It crosses the River Anton. All components are of cast iron, including the river pier, wing wall, and abutments. They all slot together without bolts. Only ten patterns were required. It is possible the firm hoped to mass produce such bridges. The river pier is a cast-iron plate 5/8” thick on edge but stiffened at two foot centers with 2 inch thick ribs. This bridge is a twin of the Ladies Walk Bridge in Andover by the same firm, but the twin is a footbridge a little over 5 feet wide while this model is twelve feet wide.
This bridge is not easily found in the maze of lanes and roads around Andover and there are many ways to approach it: here is one. Going in the London direction on A303, take the A343 towards Salisbury. Look for Foundry Road on the left with a sign to "Anne Valley & Clatfords". Proceed through the old village and take the third left over a stone bridge onto Church Lane and proceed to the iron bridge that is just past the Church which is on your left.
