Lincoln High Bridge: A Walk Back In Time

Lincoln's High Bridge is the oldest bridge in Britain to still have buildings on it.

The Grade 1 listed stone bridge was built around 1160, possibly replacing a wooden bridge.

The first building to be built on the bridge, that is now part of Lincoln High Street, was a chapel, dedicated to Thomas Becket - a common occurrence on Medieval English bridges.

However, this chapel was removed in the 18th century and an obelisk containing a conduit erected in its place - part of the city's water system.

The obelisk was removed in 1939 (due to concerns with its weight on the bridge) and recreated at St Marks Shopping Centre in 1996.

All that is left from the bridge's original purposes is a short row of black and white timbered shops, dating back to around 1550.

In the Tudor period, houses were built upon the western side of the bridge.

The narrow opening created by the arch of High Bridge has been called the 'Glory Hole'; its small, crooked arch sets a limit on the size of boats which can successfully navigate the Witham.

In the medieval period, the bridge opening was also called the 'Murder Hole', for it was said that bodies thrown into the Witham would wash ashore at this spot.

Today, the shops on the historic bridge currently house Stokes High Bridge Cafe and Stokes to Go.

Bridges with buildings on them used to be common in England, there are currently only three such structures left, and this bridge in Lincoln is the oldest.

The others are Putney Bridge in Bath, Somerset and Frome Bridge, also in Somerset - both worth a visit.

Steps lead down beside the bridge to a riverside walkway, where you can more easily see the bridge structure from beneath.

This is an ideal spot for a photo opportunity to capture the picturesque surroundings.

High Bridge is located near the bottom of High Street (hence the name), in what is now a pedestrian area.

Stokes High Bridge Cafe, on the bridge, is steeped in history and has been standing tall since 1540..

If you’re a true coffee lover, you'll be spoiled for choice with their extensive and special selection of freshly roasted, single origin beans and blends!

Writing on TripAdvisor, one recent visitor who went to Stokes High Bridge cafe, said: “Always love a visit to Stokes on High Bridge.

”We just love the old building and the staff are always friendly. We were served on Saturday predominately by Holly.

”What a lovely polite young lady, having worked in hospitality myself when I was younger I pay particular attention to service received and she was excellent.”

Another person added: “Cosy, warm and welcoming, that was my first impression.

”Smart lady downstairs personally welcomed both my wife and I and directed us both upstairs to be seated for lunch.

”Met by a lovely waitress who was smiling, professional and 100% in attendance. She was a supreme ambassador for Stokes.”

The bridge is now Grade 1 listed and a Scheduled Monument.

Listed buildings marks and celebrates a building's special architectural and historic interest.

They also brings it under the consideration of the planning system, so that it can be protected for future generations.

The older a building is, and the fewer the surviving examples of its kind, the more likely it is to be listed.

The general principles are that all buildings built before 1700 which survive in anything like their original condition are likely to be listed, as are most buildings built between 1700 and 1850.

It is estimated that up to two percent of buildings in the UK are listed, that's approximately half a million buildings and structures.

Particularly careful selection is required for buildings from the period after 1945.

If you'd like to visit this bridge, the address is: High Street, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, England, LN2 1AF.

Lincoln is a lovely place to discover, it's also home to a magnificent cathedral (pictured below), castle remains, ancient walls, and medieval architecture.

This cathedral here is the third-largest English Cathedral, and undoubtedly one of the most enjoyable to visit.

The cathedral is one of the high points of Gothic architecture; a superbly harmonious showcase of decorative art.

The west front, with its Norman arches set in a 13th-century screen, is simply stunning.

Lincoln castle, meanwhile, was built by William the Conqueror in 1068 and it has dominated the Lincoln skyline for almost one thousand years.

Following the Battle of Hastings in 1066, William the Conqueror ordered the construction of a castle at Lincoln in a bid to control the rebellious north.

Centuries earlier, the Romans had built their legionary fortress in the same place.

The Normans constructed their motte and bailey castle here, re-using the remaining stone walls of the original Roman city.

Lincoln Castle has stood for hundreds of years as a symbol of power and seat of justice.

Visit today and you can scale the heights of the Medieval Wall Walk, follow in the footsteps of prisoners in the Victorian Prison, and immerse yourself in the Magna Carta story.  

More than 5,000 people rated the castle ‘five stars’ on TripAdvisor, one recent visitor said: “A great place to visit. There is a nice walk along the inside walls.

”You can get audio and it’s very informative and interested our teenage son. When we visited they had the smoking and groaning dragons, which were great.

”Nice views of the cathedral from the walls. We were also treated to a display by the Red Arrows. I think they were training as they are apparently based nearby.”

Tickets can be purchased in advance via their official website.

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