Monnow Bridge Monmouth

Monnow Bridge, Monmouth

The gate tower originally had a portcullis

Monnow Bridge was built around 1270 AD as part of the defences of the castle town of Monmouth.

Monmouth was a Norman settlement in the strategic Welsh Marches and was one of system of fortifications to project Norman power into Wales.

Nowadays, Monnow Bridge remains the only surviving medieval bridge in Britain with a gate tower standing on the bridge. The gate tower has historically served as toll house, gaol, guard room and dwelling house.

Monnow Bridge crosses the River Monnow (Afon Mynwy) just above where it flows into the River Wye.

The bridge and river seen in the 1860’s

History

The stone bridge replaced an earlier wooden structure (also built by the Normans), the remains of which have been found beneath the present bridge.

The bridge is built of Old Red Sandstone and was constructed in stages: first the bridge and then the gate tower at a later date. The gate originally had a portcullis and was used both for protection of the inhabitants and to collect the tolls used to maintain the defences of the town.

There is a spiral staircase within the gate tower.

As subject for various artists over the years, the bridge has been painted by J. M. W. Turner, John Sell Cotman and Henry Gastineau.

After the most recent renovation in 2014, the bridge, a Grade I Listed Building, is now open only to pedestrians.

The bridge over the River Monnow, a tributary of the River Wye

Access – Getting There

Monnow Bridge is located in Monmouth, Wales. The town is within easy reach of Gloucester, Cheltenham, Bristol and Newport. It is just off the A40 south west of Ross-on-Wye.

Visitors to Monnow Bridge may also want to visit Monmouth Museum, Monmouth Castle and the nearby ‘Three Castles‘ (White Castle, Skenfrith Castle, and Grosmont Castle).

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