Elvet Bridge
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Elvet Bridge is a mediaeval masonry arch bridge across the River Wear, in Durham, England. It is a Grade I listed building. The first bridge was constructed during the time of Bishop Hugh de Puiset (1153–95) in the late twelfth century, linking central Durham with the (then) suburb of Elvet.
Repairs were carried out around 1500 by Bishop Fox following flood damage and in 1771 further reconstructions were required after three arches were destroyed by further flooding. Elvet Bridge has seven arches of which three are dry 'land arches' Two of the arches are now hidden by buildings. In the mediaeval period Elvet Bridge was guarded by a gate and towers, and a number of buildings were situated upon bridge. This included two chapels which stood at either end (one of which was later replaced with a House of Correction (Prison). The chapel upon the eastern, Elvet, side of the bridge has survived partially intact to the present day and is particulaly visible when viewed from the south on the eastern river bank. A number of buildings incorporate part of the bridge structure, and 18 Elvet Bridge is also grade I listed as a result.
The bridge has seven spans, the longest of which is 6-10m long.
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