Scheduled Monument record MDR3882 - Matlock Bridge over River Derwent, Matlock Town
Type and Period (2)
- ROAD BRIDGE (Medieval to 21st Century - 1400 AD? to 2050 AD)
- FORD (Former Type) ? (Medieval - 1066 AD? (approximately) to 1539 AD? (approximately))
Protected Status/Designation
Full Description
Matlock Bridge over River Derwent, Matlock Town, a 15th century structure.
'Matlock Bridge (over the River Derwent) has been listed as Grade II*. It was built in the 15th century and has four pointed arches with massive cut-waters. There are V-shaped recessions on one side only. It was restored and widened in 1904. Also scheduled.' (1)
'Matlock Bridge is a key element of the Matlock Bridge Conservation Area. It is, however, difficult to appreciate and only recently has vegetation been cut down and removed at the end of Hall Leys Park to enable a viewing area for the medieval (south-east) elevation to be seen. The Edwardian (north-west) elevation of the bridge remains difficult to see. The appreciation of this ancient structure is further eroded by its surface treatment of tarmacadam and concrete kerbs.' (2)
'Research commissioned relating to the structural form of historic bridges, following the discovery of possible foundations within geo-technical test pits. No recent work had been carried out on the foundations of Derbyshire bridges of a comparable date with Sheepwash and Holme Bridge. References to an earlier bridge at Holme could account for an earlier structure, as does adjacent rubble possibly relating to elements of the standing structure.' (3)
'The site of Mestesford (early medieval village possibly where Matlock is today) at the time of the Domesday Survey was considered, by Stenton in the Victoria County History, to be at Matlock Bridge, which is a view that generally prevails today. It and other feasible fording sites have been examined with respect to the local topography of the Derwent Gorge and the likely medieval transport linkages revealed by footpaths and place-names.' (4)
From the National Heritage List for England:
'1. DALE ROAD 1390 MATLOCK
Matlock Bridge (over River Derwent) SK 26 SE 10/27 22.6.50.
II*
2. C15. 4 pointed arches with massive cut-waters. V-shaped recessed on one side only. Restored and widened 1904. AM.
Listing NGR: SK2978460174.'
(5)
Sources/Archives (5)
- <1> SDR18545 Index: North Derbyshire Archaeological Trust (NDAT). North Derbyshire Archaeological Trust Index: 2937. 2937.
- <2> SDR20684 Unpublished document: Derbyshire Dales District Council (DDDC). Matlock Bridge Conservation Area Appraisal. 14.
- <3> SDR23124 Unpublished document: May, R (ARCUS). 2002. Derbyshire Historic Bridge, research report.
- <4> SDR22386 Article in serial: Willies, L. 2010. 'Matlock and the Location of Domesday Mestesforde', Derbyshire Archaeological Journal. Vol 130, pages 176-188.
- <5> SDR19551 Listed Building File: Historic England. 2011. The National Heritage List for England. https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1247890?section=official-list-entry.
Map
Location
| Grid reference | Centred SK 29781 60172 (43m by 41m) Centre |
|---|---|
| Civil Parish | MATLOCK TOWN, DERBYSHIRE DALES, DERBYSHIRE |
Related Monuments/Buildings (0)
Related Events/Activities (3)
- EDR3796
- EDR3694
- EDR3693
Please contact the HER for details.
External Links (0)
Record last edited
Jul 15 2025 3:34PM