Leckwith Bridge, can refer to the medieval Grade II* listed stone bridge over the river Ely at Leckwith, Cardiff, or its 20th century replacement.

Leckwith old bridge viewed from the new bridge

Old bridge

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The old Leckwith Bridge dates from at least the early 16th century, referred to in 1536 as being "soundly built of stone".[1] It was probably partially rebuilt in the 17th century and the central arch being rebuilt during the 18th century.[1] The bridge has three arches built of rubblestone. The roadway is approximately 2.75m (9 feet) in width, with the addition of pedestrian refuges above pointed cutwaters between each arch.[1]

The bridge was listed as Grade II* in 1952, being an example of "a fine and rare medieval bridge".[1] It is also designated as a scheduled monument[2] The bridge remains in use today for goods vehicles accessing the adjacent builders' yards.[3]

 
The pedestrian cuttings on Leckwith Old Bridge, downriver

New bridge

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A new single span reinforced concrete bridge was built next door to the old bridge in 1935,[4] taking the main road between Cardiff and Leckwith village. It was opened on 17 April by the Minister of Transport, Leslie Hore-Belisha.[5] The road continues west on a 150m (500 feet) concrete viaduct.[3] By the 2010s the new bridge was in poor condition with weight restrictions imposed on it.[3]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d "Old Leckwith Bridge (partly in the Michaelston community), Canton". British Listed Buildings. Retrieved 14 December 2014.
  2. ^ Cadw. "Leckwith Bridge (GM014)". National Historic Assets of Wales. Retrieved 26 October 2021.
  3. ^ a b c "Leckwith Bridge To Be Closed Next Week For Major Repairs". Penarth Daily News. 14 February 2014. Retrieved 14 December 2014.
  4. ^ "Leckwith Old Bridge, Leckwith, Cardiff (24126)". Coflein. RCAHMW. Retrieved 14 December 2014.
  5. ^ "Leckwith New Bridge And Viaduct, Leckwith, Cardiff (307689)". Coflein. RCAHMW. Retrieved 14 December 2014.

51°28′12″N 3°12′43″W / 51.4699°N 3.2119°W / 51.4699; -3.2119