The present bridge over the Tyne at Corbridge, with its seven unequal arches and voussoir stones, was built in 1674. It stands a few yards downstream from the one built in 1235 and destroyed 61 years later by William Wallace. During that period of 378 years, the only way to cross the river was by the ford located downstream from the present bridge.
As described on a plaque at the southern end of the present day bridge, this was the only bridge over the Tyne to survive the 1771 flood. Apparently the river was so high on that occasion that people on the bridge could lean over and wash their hands in it.
Up to 1829, when the southernmost arch was rebuilt after a flood, there were steps up to the bridge on the south side making it unusable for horse and cart.
A marker, indicating the river’s depth, can be seen under the adjacent arch as can the original gas lamps on the bridge itself. The bridge was cantilevered and widened in 1881.
When the bridge was built a sun dial was placed half way across on the eastern parapet. This was replaced by a modern imitation by the County Council in 1981 when, as they were removing a temporary steel bridge which had been in used since 1971, the original was reputedly lost in the river.
In 1992, when the water authority was laying a new pipe under the bridge, the foundations of the 1235 bridge were uncovered.
Historic Corbridge 