Bangor Bridge

Bangor Bridge is a Grade I listed structure that carries a narrow one-way road across the River Dee near Bangor-on-Dee. It stands between two communities, Bangor-is-y-Coed to the west and Sesswick to the east, on the edge of the village’s main street. The river here once marked the border between Denbighshire and Flintshire’s Maelor Saesneg. The bridge has five stepped elliptical arches of red sandstone, with yellow sandstone parapets and cutwaters. Four buttresses support the structure, and refuges are built into the parapets for safety. Inigo Jones is sometimes credited with its design, as similar bridges elsewhere are attributed to him. The bridge’s origins go back to at least 1036, with a wooden crossing mentioned in 1292. The present stone bridge dates mainly from the 17th century, though parts may be older. It was repaired several times, including in 1658 by Jones and after flood damage in 1757 and 1843. By the early 20th century it carried horse-drawn traffic and pedestrians. Later motor vehicles caused wear, leading to weight limits and one-way control when a modern bypass opened in 1978. Visitors see a medieval-style bridge with fine stonework and historic detailing. The riverbank walk offers views of the arches and cutwaters. Nearby listed buildings include the war memorial and St Dunawd’s Church, both grouped with the bridge for heritage value. A scheduled monument nearby marks remains of an earlier bridge. The setting combines village life with riverside scenery and quiet lanes leading to the Dee’s banks.