Description

1701. Single arch rubble bridge spanning the river Leithen with splayed parapets to each end.

Statement of Interest

The Bridge is a very early example of an 18th century bridge surviving largely in its original form and making an important historical contribution to the older part of the town of Innerleithen.

In 1665 the Vacant Stipend Act of the Scottish Parliament ensured that any available stipend was used by the Patron to build or repair bridges, churches and to support the region's poor. It is thought that the bridge was funded by these means, after two year period of vacancy from 1695-1697. Alexander Horsbrugh was selected to build the bridge in 1701 by the church with the intention of allowing congregation who lived in the eastern side of the parish to reach the Kirk on Leithen Road with ease.

The Old Bridge, also known as Cuddy Bridge, took the main road over Pirn Hill to Nether Horsbrugh before the new turnpike road was built in the 1770's which was eventually to become the High Street and the road between Peebles and Galashiels.

On James Dorrit's Map of 1781 the settlements of Inverleithing and Pirn are shown on either side of the Leithen water, presumably with the bridge linking the two.

It is worth noting that it is unusual to be able to date a bridge of this age with such certainty; however there is substantial information to evidence this.

The bridge has recently (2006) undergone repair works and the parapet appears to be largely rebuilt. It was previously a Scheduled Ancient Monument but was de-scheduled 11 December 1998.

List description revised and category changed from B to C(S) 2008.

External Links

• Historic Environment Scotland Listing
• Wikidata Q56635480

External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.

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