Medieval bridge and road across the River Coquet (Brinkburn and Hesleyhurst)
[NZ 11909846] Bridge (Remains of). (1)
Remains of a paved road breaking off from the Causeway [Devil's Causeway: Roman Road, RR87] and descending to the ruins of an ancient bridge about 250 yards below Brinkburn Mill are still discernible. (2)
Traces of the bridge are still visible. It does not seem to be of Roman character, but is more likely to be contemporary with the Priory [NZ 19 NW 1].
One abutment is visible on the north side of the Coquet below the roots of an elm tree which projects over it into the water.
'When the water is low, the foundation of the spot, or rock, upon which the two arches were thrown is said to be seen (a)' [Presumably refers to a central pier]. (3)
'The foundation of the middle pillar is obvious among the shelving sandstone of the [river] bottom.' (4)
NZ 11909847. Several stones protruding amongst tree roots on the north west side of the Coquet are the sole remains of the bridge. No discernible formation of these stones could be seen. There is no trace of any abutment on the south east side of the river. At the time of investigation the river was in spate and no trace of any central pier could be seen.
The bridge connects parts of an old track (NORTHUM 50 SE 1) and is probably contemporary with the Priory (NORTHUM 50 NE 1). (5)
Previous report confirmed, no obvious traces of the central pier survive. (6)
Remains of a paved road breaking off from the Causeway [Devil's Causeway: Roman Road, RR87] and descending to the ruins of an ancient bridge about 250 yards below Brinkburn Mill are still discernible. (2)
Traces of the bridge are still visible. It does not seem to be of Roman character, but is more likely to be contemporary with the Priory [NZ 19 NW 1].
One abutment is visible on the north side of the Coquet below the roots of an elm tree which projects over it into the water.
'When the water is low, the foundation of the spot, or rock, upon which the two arches were thrown is said to be seen (a)' [Presumably refers to a central pier]. (3)
'The foundation of the middle pillar is obvious among the shelving sandstone of the [river] bottom.' (4)
NZ 11909847. Several stones protruding amongst tree roots on the north west side of the Coquet are the sole remains of the bridge. No discernible formation of these stones could be seen. There is no trace of any abutment on the south east side of the river. At the time of investigation the river was in spate and no trace of any central pier could be seen.
The bridge connects parts of an old track (NORTHUM 50 SE 1) and is probably contemporary with the Priory (NORTHUM 50 NE 1). (5)
Previous report confirmed, no obvious traces of the central pier survive. (6)
N11307
FIELD OBSERVATION, Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division Field Investigation 1957; E Geary
FIELD OBSERVATION, Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division Field Investigation 1971; B H Pritchard
EXCAVATION, Excavation of bridge abutment visible on north bank of the river 1989; SELKIRK, R
FIELD OBSERVATION, Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division Field Investigation 1971; B H Pritchard
EXCAVATION, Excavation of bridge abutment visible on north bank of the river 1989; SELKIRK, R
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