Monnow Bridge

Monnow Bridge spans the River Monnow in Monmouth, Wales. It is the only fortified river bridge in Great Britain that still has its gate tower standing on the structure. Such bridge towers were once common across Europe but most were lost to urban growth and changing needs. The bridge crosses the Monnow 500 metres above its meeting with the River Wye. Old Red Sandstone forms most of the bridge, rebuilt in the 18th and 19th centuries. Turner, Gastineau and Cotman painted or sketched the bridge in those centuries. The bridge’s gatehouse, Monnow Gate, was added at the end of the 13th or start of the 14th century. Edward I granted a murage tax in 1297 to help build town walls and gates, including the gatehouse. The gate controlled traffic and collected tolls authorised in 1297 and 1315 charters. Items taxed included fat hogs, horse-loads of honey and thousands of nails. The gatehouse also served as a gaol, munitions store and lodge over the centuries. Visitors see the stone bridge with its prominent gate tower rising above the river. The single arch beneath the gate once held a portcullis, with grooves still visible. Machicolations, defensive openings for dropping stones, project from the gate’s upper levels. The bridge once carried all traffic through a narrow passage. A modern road crossing now takes vehicles, leaving the bridge for pedestrians. The gatehouse stands as a reminder of Monmouth’s medieval defences and market tolls.