Stoney Bridge or Harold's Bridge, Waltham Abbey (EHER 98)

Stoney Bridge (alternatively Stony Bridge or Harold's Bridge) was probably built in the 14th century and is associated with Waltham Abbey Church.

Stoney Bridge, probably built in the 14th century. Situated around 256m (280yds) north-northeast of the church, retains three chamfered ribs forming three-centred arches. Traces of three other ribs, now destroyed. <1> This bridge may be on the site of an earlier, wooden bridge, known from documentary sources. Documentary references are given in this source. In 1860 the ends of the abutments seem to have been remodelled with brick when the bridge was in a poor state of a repair. <2> Other ref: <3> Site Management: Formerly SAM44, was amalgamated with SAM 60 in 1988. <4> NRHE data transfer: Stony Bridge is under the care of the Ministry of Works and has been recently [in 1964] restored. Although scheduled as 'Stoney Bridge' the Ministry of Works plaque calls it 'Harolds bridge' which follows local nomenclature. No reference to it other than 'Harold's Bridge' has been found. <5> A slightly raised causeway runs across Veresmead (EHER 102) from the medieval Stony Bridge over the Cornmill stream to the remains of the bridge which spanned the lower mill stream (EHER 95). This causeway connected the Grange Yard (EHER 88) with Waltham Abbey. <6> This was originally recorded as part of TL 30 SE 8. <7> Additional reference: <8>