Objectives
- Restore Bevere Bridge
- Open up access to Bevere Island
Where is Bevere Bridge?
Links the eastern bank of the Severn with Bevere Island north of Worcester near the hamlet of Bevere.
Unverified history of the bridge
It was most likely completed by the Severn Commission workmen who were constructing the locks and weir on the other side of the island in 1845. The bridge was compensation to the landowner, Mr Broughton, who had lost land due to the navigation works. The bridge cost the Commission £2,000 (£248,700 in 2020).
What has happened to the bridge?
The bridge was in a poor state when we visited in April 2021.
A visit in December 2021 revealed the cast iron railings of the southern face have collapsed. Notice the restored column to the right of the bridge. The bricks are new as is the capstone, does this indicate the bridge is already being considered for restoration by another party? If so, who and can the society support them?
The benefits of restoration
- Restore a small piece of Worcestershire’s industrial history that is closely related to the Severn’s navigable works during the 19th century.
- Negotiate with the landlord. Would he grant open days to the island in exchange for the society assisting with funding restoration?
- Provide media opportunities for the society both locally and academically. We can document the restoration on our website and social media channels.
- Provide kudos for the society and fulfil our primary function.
Next steps
- Apply to place the bridge on the HAR register.
- Contact the landowner – The land and bridge is owned by Mr Phillips, a local farmer based. Was he responsible for restoring the northeast column? Does he plan on restoring the bridge. The CRT, who own fish pass bridge, have granted us permission to use it at will.
- How much will a survey cost? Is there any talent in the society we can utilise?
- Start curating a database of affiliates and resources available to the society that we could reuse