(NY 91417007) Abutment of ROMAN BRIDGE (G.S.C.) (1)

See Ministry of Works pamphlet 'Chesters Roman Fort'. (2)

The eastern abutment is as described, and well preserved, the other is normally submerged, but remains are visible during low water at NY 9135 7009. Published survey (25 inch) revised. (3)

Additional bibliography. (4)

Excavations in summer 1990, near the west bank of the river North Tyne revealed part of a ramp section. One side standing proud about 20ft high. Part of the tower of the bridge gatehouse also found, and underneath it two silver coins and bronze lid from a flagon. (5)

Carbonised plant remains from the above excavation were analysed at the Ancient Monuments Laboratory. Carbonised cereal remains and seeds were recovered. The one sample with waterlogged preservation indicated natural silting and accumulation of water borne material rather than deliberate dumping. (6)

One of the sandstones of the east abutment, at the south-east terminal of the northern water channel, was found to have prehistoric rock art on its upper surface. There are three cup marks each measuring 90mm diameter by 20mm deep. A clear line of wedge marks is also apparent along the west long edge. (7)

Scheduled. (8)

An evaluation trench excavated in 2010 on the west bank of the River North Tyne revealed a road surface (interpreted as a Roman road) overlain by a rough stone wall of unknown function, and evidence of previous excavations in 1989-91 and modern revetment of the river bank. (9)

A compact reddish-brown layer of pebbles and gritty sands was exposed and recorded 8 and 17 May 2012 located between 0.10m and 0.20m below the surrounding ground level of pits excavated to the north of the bath house at Chesters. Though incompletely seen it is possibly that this may be associated with the remnants of the embankment for the road of the later Roman bridge across the North Tyne. (10)

Watermill at Chollerford Roman bridge, NY 915 701 (index no 35/098). The mill stands on the North Tyne. The stone leat remains of the Roman watermill. Recorded by Griffith. (11)

Chesters Roman Site b (ERA 769, Beckensall Archive 752) is a rectangular block of dressed stone, situated at the south-east corner of an abutment water channel at the Roman bridge. The stone has two large cup-like depressions, both 0.09m in diameter; on the edge of the stone is a possible larger, truncated, third cup. (12)

Both abutments and three piers of the later bridge survive, as well as fragments of the earlier bridge. Parts of both abutments are consolidated and visible with their accompanying tower bases; two of the piers can be seen in the river bed when the water is low and the third is buried in the E bank of the river. For a full description and discussion see (13b). Surveyed by RCHME and Tyne & Wear Museums Service, May 1991 (13c) and 1992-3. (13a)

Excavation of the western bridge abutment. As with the east abutment, the footings of the tower survive. Excavation of deposits underlying the tower found a denarius, giving a date of 191-2 for the terminus post quem of the tower. The bridge was approached by a ramp, confirming that the Military Way was carried over the demolished towers (first phase?) onto the bridge. The ramp was held in place by a stepped retaining wall to prevent it collapsing into the river. (13d)

The eastern abutment has a massive pier which supported a tower within which was a water mill, the race for which can still be seen. Under Hadrian, the bridge was a modest afair carried on eight stone piers. In the third century, this was replaced by a substantial bridge built on three massive piers. (13e)

A Roman Bridge abutment and mill race are visible as structures on air photographs at NY 9136 7007. The eastern abutment can be seen along with the foundations of a tower measuring 6m by 6m. Fragmentary remains of the mill race described by authority 7 are also visible. (13f)

Web reference (13g)

Metallurgical analysis by Mr Ted Morgan (unpublished) has shown that the tie-bars are of pure lead. It had previously been thought that the lead might have been alloyed with tin to improve its tensile strength. The sequence of robbing has also been reassessed in connection with the Hexham and Corbridge studies. The demolition of the east abutment and road ramp was almost certainly undertaken to obtain stone for Hexham. Demolition of the superstructure of the bridge and arches may have occurred earlier in order to recover lead and iron from the fabric. 7 to 8 tonnes of lead were used for the tie-bars in the abutments and piers. The metal was used extensively in roofing early Anglo-Saxon churches. (13h)

Located on the English Heritage map of Hadrian's Wall 2010. (13i)

Depiction in the James Irwin Coates Archive (1879) shows the turret, millrace, and bridge abutment. (13j)

General association with HER 31586 (Military Way), HER 9337 (Chesters Vicus), HER 30361 (Military Way). (13)