Craigmin Bridge
57°38′44″N 2°56′17″W / 57.64556°N 2.93806°W
Craigmin Bridge | |
|---|---|
Category A listed building | |
| Characteristics | |
| Material | Rubble |
| History | |
| Architect | Robert Adam (probably)[1] |
| Construction end | Circa 1773 |
| Location | |
 | |
Craigmin Bridge is an eighteenth century bridge within the grounds of
Description
The bridge has a very unusual[2] two-tier design, with a lower, single-arched span supporting two semi-circular arches above, with a smaller segmental arch[3] and a mural passage between them,[4] and a shallow round-headed niche above in the spandrel.[4] The structure is rubble-built, with end buttresses, an undulating parapet, and a later concrete cope.[5] A doorway in the north-west corner of the bridge gives access to a small cell built into the structure.[6][7]
The span of the lower arch is 36 feet 6 inches (11.13 m), and each of the upper arches has a 28 feet (8.5 m) span.[3] The unusual design has been described as 'remarkable',[2] 'curious'[8] and 'wildly picturesque'.[9]
History
The bridge has existed in its current state since around 1773,[2] when it was built to carry a carriage drive to Letterfourie House over the steep ravine of the Burn of Letterfourie.[4] It is possible that the upper, two-span tier was built on top of an existing, single-span structure, giving rise to the unusual design.[5][7][8] This would likely have been because the a road leading up the ravine from the level of the lower tier, while suitable for foot traffic, would have been too steep for a carriage to manage.[3] It is probable that Robert Adam, who designed the house, also worked on the bridge,[1] but no drawings or documentation survive to confirm this.[7]
The bridge was designated a
References
- ^ a b "Building/Design Report, Letterfourie House". Dictionary of Scottish Architects. Dictionary of Scottish Architects. Retrieved 28 March 2019.
- ^ ISBN 9780300204285.
- ^ a b c Historic Environment Scotland. "Letterfourie House, Craigmin Bridge (133305)". Canmore. Retrieved 26 March 2019.
- ^ a b c d Historic Environment Scotland. "Letterfourie, Craigmin Bridge over Burn of Letterfourie (LB15542)". Retrieved 15 April 2019.
- ^ a b "Moray SMR - NJ46SW0029 - Craigmin Bridge". Aberdeenshire Council. Aberdeenshire Council. Retrieved 26 March 2019.
- ^ "Five of Scotland's lesser-known bridges". The Scotsman. JPI Media Ltd. Retrieved 26 March 2019.
- ^ a b c d e "Craigmin Bridge, Letterfourie House Policies, Drybridge". Buildings at risk register for Scotland. Historic Environment Scotland. Retrieved 26 March 2019.
- ^ ISBN 0114952906.
- ISBN 0707305284.