Summary
A bridge over the River Aller connects field O.S.no. 8376 and 7560.
Identification Images (0)
Monument Types
- ROAD BRIDGE (Early 19th C to Early 20th C - 1801 AD to 1932 AD)
Description
A bridge over the River Aller connects field O.S.no. 8376 and 7560. The parish boundary between Selworthy and Luccombe is along the centre of the stream at this point, though it diverges for 50m into the southern field about 25m west of the bridge. The bridge has a single two-centred arch with a keystone. The surface is flat but there are a row of stones on the upriver side (east). The width of the track across is about 2.5m. No bridge is indicated on the 1876 Holnicote Estate map and the 1841 Selworthy Tithe Map, but these maps do not necessarily indicate them. It is shown on the 1889 O.S. first edition 1:2500 map and is probably mid 19c in date.
Condition: good
A Heritage Impact Assessment (SNA69060 / ENA10084) and Geophysical Survey (SNA69061 / ENA10085) were commissioned in 2021 over the southern most area of the Selworthy farmland (MNA197020) either side of the River Aller. These were undertaken to assess the impact of "Stage 0 river restoration" project that aims to restore natural processes to a length of the River Aller as it flows northwest.
In summary the restoration proposals included:
- areas of excavation/ regrading to achieve a more varied landform across the flood plain
- areas of infilling of the channel with material won from excavations
- thinning of the riparian corridor vegetation and partial removal of a hedge bank
- replanting of a hedgerow along the line of a former hedgerow and additional planting within the wider site
In the HIA a 1km buffer around the site boundary was used as the study area to assess the known archaeological context of the site (event drawn on HBSMR as 1km from approx centre - see report for detailed area).
SNA69060 HIA
The greatest impact would be the removal of this 19th century footbridge. This structure is considered to have some heritage significance due to its illustrative value in representing historic routes through the landscape. The structure is in poor condition, with adjacent river banks having been eroded by recent flooding. Its loss should be weighed against the benefits of the proposed scheme and it is recommended that a record of the structure be made before removal in order to preserve it by record.
The site surrounding the bridge has not been subject to archaeological investigation, so the potential for below-ground remains is not known. A geophysical survey was undertaken to address this.
The proposals would alter the character of the river, but it is not considered that the changes would represent significant harm to the historic landscape character of the area, or to the setting of any designated heritage assets (see LVA).
SNA69060 Geophysical Survey carried out on area surrounding the bridge on both sides of the river.
References
- SNA69060 - Unpublished document: FAS Heritage. 2021. River Aller Floodplain Reconnection, Heritage Impact Assessment.
- SNA69061 - Geophysical Survey Report: South West Archaeology Ltd. 2021. Land West of Venn Plantation, Selworthy - Results of a Geophysical Survey.
- SZN48220 - Unpublished document: Isabel Richardson. 2001. Archaeological Survey of the Holnicote Estate, Somerset.
Designations
None Recorded
Other Statuses and References
None Recorded
Associated Events
- ENA3149 - Field Survey, Archaeological Survey of the Holnicote Estate 2001
- ENA10085 - Archaeological Intervention, Geophysical Survey - Land West of Venn Plantation, Selworthy (Ref: 211007)
- ENA10084 - Heritage Assessment, River Aller Floodplain Reconnection, Heritage Impact Assessment
Associated Finds
None Recorded
Related Records
- Related to: Farmland belonging to Selworthy Farm 2022, Holnicote Estate (Monument) - MNA197020 / MNA197020