Atcham Bridge

You can start your visit from either approach to Atcham Bridge. In this visiting guide, we will start from the east bank by the pub. Walk to the riverbank from the beer garden down to the bridge, where you will see a small arch for pedestrian access and floodwater flow. Take note of the voussoirs.

Notice the concave-capped breakwaters between the arches to prevent damage caused by rapid water flowing against the bridge piers during floods. The breakwaters separate the water and assist with its flow under the arches.

You can walk under the arches when the river is not flooding to inspect the stonework and the quality craftsmanship that went into constructing the bridge.

Each arch contains a triple keystone at the top with fluted outer stones and a central stone with vermiculated rustication that resembles a muddy surface.

Walk back up to the eastern approach to the bridge as we prepare to cross. This view also gives you an idea of where the original road ran before the bridge was replaced by its 20th-century counterpart.

Notice the pyramidal cap stones abutted by carved scrolls and low curved parapet walls.

The bridge is a humpback structure, which is evident as you walk up the ramp to the top. Notice the coped parapets running in parallel along the bridge. Although they have weathered, they look like grand stone handrails. The centre of the bridge is topped with flanking pediments

You can easily spot St Eata’s Church in the southeast. It is the only church in England that is dedicated to this saint, who was a 7th-century clergyman.

Walk to the end of the western approach of the bridge, which is now a field. The road would have diverged into three separate routes.

These routes are now accessed by a new junction from the re-aligned B4380 road that runs across the new bridge opposite. The exterior of the new bridge’s central pediments features the engraved Shropshire County Council coat of arms. Notice the Italian balustrade carved from stone.

Follow the footpath leading west and you will rejoin the main road. Turn right and walk across the new bridge. In the centre is another flanked pediment that has an elaborate engraving around a cast iron plaque. The plaque contains information such as the opening date of 24th October 1929 by Herbert Morrison, the Minister of Transport. It also mentions William H Butler as the County Surveyor & Engineer.

Look across to Atcham Bridge and you will see the date engraving on the exterior of the central pediment, which reads “THIS BRIDGE/Was erected at the Expence of the County, MDCCLXXVI, JOHN GWYNN Archᵀ.”

As you walk across the new bridge, you are back to where you started. We highly recommend you visit St Eata’s Church, which is a 5-minute walk. Or you could visit the pub and its delightful riverside beer garden, or Attingham Park, which has an entrance opposite the pub and is maintained by the National Trust.