NHER 13765 (Monument record) - Lenwade bridge

1741. Documentary Evidence.
T. Martin (S1) noted that Lenwade bridge was rebuilt in 1741 for 320 pounds. The new bridge consisted of three arches on low cutwaters.

1978. Field Observation.
A tank trap was identified at the northeast corner of the present bridge. The tank trap consists of two concrete columns standing on the abutment of the 18th century Lenwade Bridge that was demolished in 1927 (it is now known that this was not demolished until 1954, see below). 19th century brick with a shaped pointed stone cutwater edge was identified. The cutwater edge could be much older than 19th century. Additional brick remains on the west bank and in the bed of the stream as well. The 'Bridge Inn' sign shows a 3 arch bridge of the type that was built at all periods from 16th to 19th centuries.
E. Rose (NAU) 14 June 1978.

1991/1992. Field Observation.
The tank obstacle was removed at the same time as the demolition of the current (1920's) bridge. A temporary bridge has been constructed on the site of the pre-1920's bridge which will be used until the new bridge is completed.
E. Rose (NLA), 2 March 1992

1992. Field Observation.
Construction of a new bridge in 1992 has destroyed the old abutment and the tank trap as well as the 1920s bridge. Despite the construction of the latter, the 18th century bridge remained in place until 1954, as shown by a photograph (S3) in the secondary file.
E. Rose (NLA), 5 May 1992

1992. Field Observation/Find.
During the massive excavations for the new bridge large wooden piles were recovered from the west side of the old bridge. These piles measured 30cm (1 foot) in diameter and 6ft long and had pointed tips reinforced by an iron sleeve on two sides, terminating in a long spike. Seven of these were recovered by source, although these represent just a few of many found and removed by local residents for their woodburners.
See sketch (S4).
D. Gurney (NLA), 16 June 1997.

March 1994. Field Observation.
A survey of the tank trap revealed that one block remained in 1994, which was covered in ivy. This block was once part of a common 1940 anti-tank block. Once a substantial road-block, all blocks but one were demolished for the new bridge.
See (S2) in secondary file. Norfolk Defensive Structures Survey No. L2-3.
D. Walker (NLA) July 1996.

NGR corrected from original (TG 1022 1823).
M. Horlock (NLA), 24 March 2003.