ABBEY BRIDGE, EGGLESTONE

"Egglestone Abbey stands on a terrace, overlooking the Tees, and cut off northwards by the little beck of Thorsgill which is crossed below the ruins by a seventeenth-century, pack horse bridge, The position is secluded and spacious, so that it is tempting to picture the White Canons of the Order passing their busy, unenventful lives with this peacdful setting to soften the austerity."

Teesdale. Douglas M. Ramsden. 1947

Not to be confused with Eggleston , higher up the Tees, Egglestone's Abbey Bridge was built in 1773 when J S Morrit required better access to his Rokeby Estate. A single arch bridge, high above the river, and with castellated parapets, a toll was payable until the mid 20th century. The bridge was strengthened in 1982 and was further modified in 1998. The river banks here are steep, rocky and wooded and the views are excellent looking from the bridge.

Rokeby is the title of a long poem by Sir Walter Scott who stayed there in 1809, and it describes Teesdale, including nearby Egglestone Abbey. The abbey overlooks the Tees and is in the care of English Heritage. Founded in the 12th century the ruins of this small monastery are very close to the bridge.

Abbey Bridge, Egglestone Facts

Constructed - 1773
Type - arch, single span.
Position: near Egglestone Abbey, County Durham.
Grid Ref: NZ 066 149

Abbey Bridge, Egglestone

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