sds[25] - Moulton Bridge {5 of 7}
The dry ford alongside the bridge. Note the "depth" marker - scale is in feet.
This 4-arch packhorse bridge spans some 65feet over the River Kennett in Moulton, Suffolk. It is built of stone and flint rubble with the pointed arches faced in brick, the date of construction is estimated to be 14th / 15th century. It predates 1532 as there was a charity by that date that was established to cover the maintenance costs of the bridge, funded by land rents. It is now Grade II* listed and in the care of English Heritage.
Such bridges are intended to keep people & goods dry when the alternative of crossing through a ford might mean damage from getting wet. This one is on the well-travelled route between Bury-St-Edmunds and Cambridge, and can still be used by walkers today.
To allow cars to ford the stream, a concrete surface has been laid - on the depth marker the top mark is 3ft - and the Kennett has a culvert to keep the modest flows away from the piers. The roadway pad has been extended under the arches, which allows foot access and would also provide some scour protection. However, at least in the current near-drought conditions, the Kennett is a shallow shadow of it's former self.
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Taken on Tuesday July 1, 2025
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Posted on Thursday July 3, 2025
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