Monnow Bridge, Wales: Britain’s Only Remaining Fortified Bridge

Monnow Bridge is a remarkable ancient structure in the lovely town of Monmouth, Wales.

Monnow Bridge is the only remaining mediaeval fortified river bridge in Great Britain with its gate tower still standing in place.

In 1996, the bridge was also included on a list of potential World Heritage Bridges by the UNESCO advisory body, the International Council of Monuments and Sites.

Originally built with a portcullis, its primary use was for defence, but over the years it developed into a toll collection point, a jail and even a home!

The historical bridge has been recognised as a Scheduled Monument and is also Grade 1 Listed, making it of ‘significant importance.’

Its construction began around 1272, and it was a significant engineering feat of the medieval period.

It’s thought to have replaced a previous Norman timber bridge.

Crafted from local red sandstone, this imposing structure spans the tranquil River Monnow, with its stout stone arches and solid battlements bearing witness to centuries of history.

The gatehouse, called Monnow Gate, was added at the end of the 13th or start of the 14th centuries, twenty-five to thirty years after the bridge itself was built.

The iconic gatehouse, which remarkably still stands today, previously formed part of the town’s defensive walls.

As well as its defensive role, the gatehouse also served as a barrier to allow for the collection of tolls from those attending markets.

Such bridge towers were common across Europe from medieval times, however, many were destroyed due to urban expansion, diminishing defensive requirements.

Through the Middle Ages and the English Civil War, the bridge played a significant role in defending the town of Monmouth.

It witnessed skirmishes and served as a crucial passage for troops and supplies.

The scars of conflict are etched into its walls, each crack and crevice a reminder of the turbulent history that unfolded around it.

In 1645, the bridge was seized by Royalist soldiers from Raglan in a failed attempt to retake the town from the Parliamentarian forces under Colonel Kyrle.

Kissack describes the engagement as "the most resolute Royalist attack made on Monmouth", which saw eight of Kyrle's opponents killed and five captured.

By 1705, the bridge and gatehouse required maintenance.

According to Wikipedia, the original battlements were replaced with solid walls, and the building was refitted to form a two-storey dwelling house with timber and lath extensions projecting over the river.

Both the bridge and the gatehouse were again repaired between 1771 and 1775.

The bill for repairs included the cost of 100 gallons of ale for the workmen employed!

From 1889 to 1902, an extensive programme of conservation was carried out on the bridge and gate, led by Monmouthshire County Council, which retained responsibility for maintenance.

More repairs had to be undertaken on the bridge in 1982, following a collision in which a double-decker bus struck the bridge, resulting in its closure for a month.

Damage to the bridge and gate through accidents continued, and in the early 1990s, two drivers were prosecuted after crossing the bridge with vehicles significantly exceeding the weight and height limits.

Today, the bridge is now a scheduled ancient monument, and no longer used for traffic - but it’s used on the 4th Saturday of each month for a local farmer’s market.

Internally, the gatehouse has a single room and a garderobe.

The original internal access was by way of a stone spiral staircase, but this was subsequently destroyed and a wooden replacement was inserted.

The room in the tower measures 33 ft long and 9.8 ft wide and has an attic and an 18th-century roof.

The bridge has excellent reviews on TripaAdvisor, one recent visitor said: “Truly fascinating historic monument where they’ve now stopped the traffic driving through.

”In the 1980’s I remember a double decker bus driving through the arch almost knocking the whole thing down. Just show how well built it is.

”Well worth the visit and there’s a pub with a terrace overlooking it ideal for a drink and meal.”

Another person added: “Never been to Monmouth before but it's a real gem of a town.

”The Monnow Bridge and Gate is at the bottom of the town and really is well worth a visit as it is very picturesque, it is also worth visiting the church at the bottom of the town too.

“We found (Googled) a car park at the top of the town in order to walk down one side and then back up the other side.”

The rarity of Monnow Bridge and Gate is reflected in its status as a potential World Heritage Site, a Scheduled Monument and a Grade 1 listed building.

Its official listing, according to English Heritage, describing it as "an outstanding medieval fortified bridge, now unique in Britain".

It’s absolutely worth a visit if you’re ever in our around the area.

If you’d like to see it for yourself, the address is: Monnow St, Monmouth NP25 3EG.

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