The first bridge across the River Trent at Nottingham, built about 924 by Edward the Elder to supersede a ferry which existed in the time of the Danes, consisted on stone piers with timber beams and flooring. About 1156 in the reign of Henry II, this was replaced by a stone bridge of seventeen Gothic arches. Several arches were rebuilt by Edward I, and others had to be reconstructed in the 17th century, following the damage done during the Civil War and by a great flood in 1683. Other arches and piers were rebuilt from time to time, so that the old bridge in its final form contained little of the original structure. However, two arches apparently dating from the 12th century may still be seen at the south east end of the present Trent Bridge. Prior to demolition in 1871 there were 15 arches, most of which were built between 1272-1307. The two arches were restored in 1957. Scheduled and Listed Grade II. (11)
The first bridge over the Trent at Nottingham was the 'Heathebethe Brigg' which was timber built in the early part of the 10th cent. The second bridge was built of stone, and from the form, character, and arch construction, the earliest portion can be dated mid 12th cent. Prior to demolition in 1871 [when the present bridge was built] there were 15 arches most of which were built c. 1321 - 23 [19th cent. photographs substantiate this date], but those at the northern end [the west bank] were rebuilt
in the 17th cent. Two arches were restored in 1957. (11)
The bridge was built of stone, and from the form, character and arch construction, the earliest portion can be dated mid C12. Prior to demolition in 1871 (when the present bridge was built) there were 15 arches most of which were built c 1321-23 (C19 photographs substantiate this date), but those at the N end (the W bank) were rebuilt in the C17. 2 arches were restored in 1957. (1) (2) (3) (4)
One arch only (the southernmost) survives of the old bridge. W side has pointed arch of ?C14 with 3 ribs. E side has segmented arch of ?C17 - chamfered. Intervening part is probably, but not certainly due to widening in C17. Built of ashlar in fair condition but somewhat weathered in parts. Used only for footpath as partly embedded in S abutment of modern bridge. (5)
2 C14 arches are now maintained by W Bridgford Council; they are enclosed by gardens on the centre of a major roundabout. Mod restoration has been in sympathy with the original stonework save that the carriage way is paved. (6)
No change from report of 1964. (7)
The area has been landscaped and the bridge paved. (8)
See M7977 for bridge chapel, M776 for modern bridge, M8924 for E Med Heathebethe bridge, L9379 for abutment at East Bridgford, built of stone from this bridge.

Data Held (Document). SNT2647.

Photo of painting of Bridge, in Ground Photos drawer

Listed buildings slides, (Photograph). SNT2648.

<1> Tarbotton MO, 1871, History of the Old Trent Bridge (Published document). SNT1334.

<2> Guilford EL, 1912, Memorials of Old Nottinghamshire, pp 235-8 (Published document). SNT737.

<3> Jervoise E, 1932, Ancient Bridges of Mid & Eastern England, pp 8-41 (Published document). SNT835.

<4> Nottingham Evening Post, 19/02/1957, Nottingham Evening Post (Published document). SNT255.

<5> DOE, AM7 - undated, no author (Unpublished document). SNT52.

<6> Colquhoun FD, 1964, Pers Comm (Personal comment). SNT578.

<7> Seaman BH, 1975, Pers Comm (Personal comment). SNT1253.

<8> Dodd A, 1988, AM107 (Unpublished document). SNT620.

<9> Pevsner N, 1979, The Buildings of England: Nottinghamshire 2nd ed., p 374 (Monograph). SNT4.

<10> Palmer M & Neaverson P, 1992, Industrial Landscapes of the East Midlands, p 141 (Monograph). SNT5.

<11> Historic England, 2021, National Record of Historic Environment (Digital archive). SNT5271.

<12> Department of the Environment, Ancient Monuments and Historic Buildings London, 1978, List of ancient monuments in England: Volume 1, Northern England; Volume 2, Southern England; Volume 3, East Anglia and the Midlands, v. 3, p. 78 (Published document). SNT6232.