History
Abingdon Bridge was begun as a stone bridge in 1416, and it is recorded that the completion of Abingdon Bridge severely damaged trade at Wallingford. It was constructed by a religious body known as The Brotherhood of Christ (later Christ's Hospital), assisted by local wool and cloth merchants, to replace a previous timber bridge or possibly a ferry.
In 1453, "three new arches" were added at the southern end of the bridge, this becoming known as Burford Bridge. This description makes no reference to the two pairs of much small arches to each side of the central arches. There was considerable expenditure on the bridge in 1790 when Abingdon Lock was opened, following previous objections that there was insufficient draught under the bridge for navigational purposes. The latest occasion when the bridge was reconstructed was in 1927.
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