Bridge over the River Cam (EHER 503)

The Adam Bridge or Robert Adam Bridge. Road bridge crossing the River Cam to the southwest of Audley End House. It was constructed in 1763-64 by Robert Adam and is of Oolitic stone ashlar. The bridge comprises three segmental arches and is hump-backed.

Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import: Adam Bridge (NAT). <1> An 18th century hump back bridge, said to be an Adam's design. Stone faced with three arches with round panels in the spandrels. On the north face two panels contain carved coats of arms and the central panel bears the date 1764. Forms with other listed buildings in the area a "very important and picturesque group". <2> - <4> Three arched bridge, arches semi-circular with medallions on side ornamented with arms of Lord Howard. Bridge is decorated with a balustrade. Designed by Robert Adam in 1763 for Sir John Griffin Griffin. Signed plans are kept at Audley End. <5> - <13> Plan by Adam is in Sir John Soane's Museum. <14> Road bridge crossing the River Cam to the southwest of Audley End House. It was constructed in 1763-64 by Robert Adam and is of Oolitic stone ashlar. The bridge comprises three segmental arches and is hump-backed. <15> <16> Robert Adam's 1763 design for the stone bridge can be seen in this particular guidebook. <17> The current (2010) guidebook contains illustrations of Adam Bridge and its location is marked on a illustrated plan in the front cover. <18> The Adam Bridge or Robert Adam Bridge, at Audley End House near Saffron Walden. Designed by Robert Adam and built as part of Sir John Griffin Griffin's overhaul of the parkland in the late 18th century. Construction began on the bridge in September 1763 with the foundation of the bridge piers. The bridge was remodelled in 1782 by Placido Columbani, who removed the parapet and replaced this with balusters. During the Second World War, the bridge formed part of the Audley End Defence Area- Number 70 stop line defence. Defensive lines were established to halt or delay enemy forces in the event of a land invasion, and bridges and rivers provided key defensive points. An explosives chamber was fitted to the bridge in the summer of 1940, in preparation for demolition is necessary. Two concrete road blocks were added, one at either end of the bridge. <19> The bridge is listed at Grade I. <20> December 2000. Watching brief. An archaeological watching brief during the excavation of two trial pits on the listed structure of Adams Bridge Audley End which found no archaeological deposits. <21> June 1989. Field visit. As described by <1> <2>. <22> See also: <23> - <28>