Swarkestone Bridge

The bridge was built in the 13th century to cross the river and the surrounding marshes. The first mention of the bridge was in 1204 (when it was referred to as Ponte de Cordy), but it has been modified, repaired and rebuilt; the majority of the existing bridge dates, from the late 13th and early 14th century. The original bridge is thought to have been made of wood, and was then rebuilt in stone at the end of the 13th century. Three royal grants of tolls for bridge repair were granted between 1324 and 1347. The bridge has proved itself of strategic importance throughout the ages. It was for about 300 years the Midlands' main crossing of the Trent, and the only crossing between…

The bridge has been widened several times (the first in 1799 and recorded works in 1808, 1830 and 1852), but is undersized for modern traffic; in several places it is scarcely two lanes and cars are unable to pass at several points. Though there is a weight limit of 7.5 tonnes, the walls of the bridge often take damage from traffic. In 2017, electronic weight sensors were placed at either end of the bridge to deter vehicles over the 7.5-tonne limit.