Swarkestone Bridge

Swarkestone Bridge is a medieval stone bridge crossing the River Trent between Swarkestone and Stanton by Bridge, about nine and a half kilometres south of Derby. Built mainly of local sandstone, it stretches for nearly a mile and a half and has seventeen arches, six of which remain from the late 13th and early 14th centuries. The bridge was first mentioned in 1204 as Ponte de Cordy and was rebuilt in stone at the end of the 13th century. It once formed part of the main route between Derby and Coventry, a road used since before the Norman Conquest. The bridge has played a key role in many historic events. In January 1643, Royalists defended it during a minor battle in the English Civil War but were defeated by Parliamentarian forces. In 1745, it marked the southernmost point of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s advance towards London before his retreat. During the Second World War, gun emplacements and tank traps were installed to guard against possible invasion. The bridge was also the site of several road accidents between 2008 and 2010, with fifteen reported incidents. Today the bridge carries modern traffic despite its narrow lanes and low weight limit. Local legends tell of the Bellamont sisters, who are said to have financed its construction after their fiancés drowned crossing the swollen Trent. Their ghosts and those of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s troops are said to haunt the bridge, with witnesses reporting the sound of galloping horses when none are present.