Information for record number MWA3151:
Marton Bridge, Oxford Road, Marton

Summary Marton Bridge, a stone road bridge with Medieval origins. Documentary evidence suggests that there have been nine different stages of construction in its history. It crosses the River Leam 200m north of the church.
What Is It?  
Type: Road Bridge, Toll Bridge
Period: Modern (1414 AD - 2050 AD)
Where Is It?  
Parish: Frankton
District: Rugby, Warwickshire
Grid Reference: SP 40 69
(Data represented on this map shows the current selected record as a single point, this is for illustrative purposes only and does not represent an accurate or complete representation of archaeological sites or features)
Level of Protection National - Old SMR PrefRef (Grade: )
Scheduled Monument (Grade: )
Listed Building (Grade: II)
Sites & Monuments Record
Picture(s) attached

  
Description

  
Source Number  

1 Dugdale mentions the existence of a bridge in the early 13th century (7.H.3). 'in K.H.5. time John Middilton (...) built a fair bridge here of lime and stone'
2 A very fine bridge with segmental pointed arches and a long sloping causeway at each end. The arches have double splays, with a recess, as at Blythe. The causeways are of a remarkable kind.
3 It was widened on the upstream side in concrete comparatively recently.
4 The bridge was rebuilt in stone in 1414 by John Middleton. In 1625 it was recorded that the bridge had been repaired and it had to be repaired again in 1661. The bridge has long approaches with two spans over the water and a flood arch in both approaches. Built of sandstone ashlar with segmental-pointed arches of two splayed orders.
6 Much restored and not outstanding.
9 East Midlands Electricity and British Gas were given permission to lay a cable through the footpath on the south side of the bridge. The work was watched and supervised by a representative of Warwickshire Museum during which time the sections of trial holes were drawn and other details noted.
10 Consent was granted to British Gas (West Midlands) to lay a pipeline linked to the one laid in October 1991; one of the conditions imposed was that Warwick Museum should supervise any ground disturbance work. This was done, and the trenches cut by British Gas did no damage to the existing bridge, and no archaeological deposits were found.
11 Background historical research identified nine constructional stages from the 15th to the 20th century. Trial trenches revealed a cobbled surface, which may be medieval and lead to a contemporary or earlier bridge or ford.
12 Further recording took place during the reconstruction of the Scheduled bridge during 2000. A pebbled cauesway was recorded to the north. Its extent on the eastern riverbank perhaps suggested that it led to a ford rather than to an earlier bridge, but again no dating evidence was recovered.
13 Dugdale makes it clear that in the 13th century (1220s?) there was a Toll Bridge at Marton and this was replaced by John Midddleton in 14th century so people did not have to pay to cross the bridge. What is not clear is if the Toll Bridge and replacement were at the same crossing point or indeed exactly the same place.
14 The bridge has long approaches, with two spans over the river and a flood-arch to either side. It is built of sandstone ashlar with segmental-pointed arches of two splayed orders over the stream, the splays dying out on the cutwater and on the abutments, which have been splayed to correspond with the cutwater. The flood-arches, which are similar to those across the stream, have been treated in the same manner by splaying their abutments. The low parapet wall shows evidence of periodic rebuilding, to the west side partly in red brick.
 
Sources
Source No: 11
Source Type: Archaeological Report
Title: Marton Bridge, Warwickshire
Author/originator: Meek J, Elders J & Palmer N
Date: 1999
Page Number:
Volume/Sheet: Report No 9921
   
Source No: 13
Source Type: Bibliographic reference
Title: Antiquities of Warwickshire
Author/originator: Dugdale W
Date: 1730
Page Number: 1056
Volume/Sheet:
   
Source No: 10
Source Type: Bibliographic reference
Title: Marton Bridge, Warwickshire: Archaeological Observation
Author/originator: Palmer S
Date: 1992
Page Number:
Volume/Sheet:
   
Source No: 4
Source Type: Bibliographic reference
Title: Victoria County History, vol 6, Warwickshire
Author/originator: Salzman L F (ed)
Date: 1951
Page Number:
Volume/Sheet: VI
   
Source No: 1
Source Type: Bibliographic reference
Title: Antiquities of Warwickshire
Author/originator: Dugdale W
Date: 1730
Page Number: 1056
Volume/Sheet:
   
Source No:
Source Type: Desk Top Study
Title: Historic Road Bridges in Warwickshire
Author/originator: N.Palmer and G. Booth
Date: 1997
Page Number:
Volume/Sheet:
   
Source No: 8
Source Type: Descriptive Text
Title: LBL
Author/originator: DoE
Date: 1987
Page Number:
Volume/Sheet: Stratford
   
Source No: 9
Source Type: Evaluation Report
Title: Marton Bridge, Warwickshire Archaeological Evaluation
Author/originator: Hart P
Date: 1991
Page Number:
Volume/Sheet:
   
Source No: 14
Source Type: Statuatory List
Title: National Heritage List for England
Author/originator: Historic England
Date:
Page Number:
Volume/Sheet:
   
Source No: 6
Source Type: Record Card/Form
Title: OS Card 25NE6
Author/originator: Ordnance Survey
Date: 1968
Page Number:
Volume/Sheet:
   
Source No: 12
Source Type: Serial
Title: WMA (West Midlands Archaeology) vol 43
Author/originator: CBA West Midlands
Date: 2000
Page Number:
Volume/Sheet:
   
Source No: 3
Source Type: Serial
Title: TBAS vol 69
Author/originator: Sapcote E S
Date: 1951
Page Number:
Volume/Sheet: 69
   
Source No: 2
Source Type: Serial
Title: TBAS vol 42
Author/originator: Cossins J A
Date: 1916
Page Number: 9
Volume/Sheet: 42
   
Source No: 5
Source Type: Scheduling record
Title: Marton Bridge
Author/originator: DoE
Date:
Page Number:
Volume/Sheet:
   
Source No: 7
Source Type: Scheduling record
Title: SAM List 1983
Author/originator: DoE
Date: 1983
Page Number:
Volume/Sheet:
   
Images:  
Marton Bridge
Copyright: Warwickshire County Council
Date: 2000
Click here for larger image  
 
back to top

Glossary

 
Word or Phrase
Description  
none Scheduled Monument Scheduled Ancient Monuments (SAMs) are those archaeological sites which are legally recognised as being of national importance. They can range in date from prehistoric times to the Cold War period. They can take many different forms, including disused buildings or sites surviving as earthworks or cropmarks.

SAMs are protected by law from unlicensed disturbance and metal detecting. Written consent from the Secretary of State must be obtained before any sort of work can begin, including archaeological work such as geophysical survey or archaeological excavation. There are nearly 200 SAMs in Warwickshire.
 		back
designation Listed Building Buildings and structures, such as bridges, that are of architectural or historical importance are placed on a statutory list. These buildings are protected by planning and conservation acts that ensure that their special features of interest are considered before any alterations are made to them.

Depending on how important the buildings are they are classed as Grade I, Grade II* or Grade II. Grade I buildings are those of exceptional interest. Grade II* are particularly important buildings of more than special interest. Those listed as Grade II are those buildings that are regarded of special interest.
 		back
source LBL Listed Building List. Buildings and structures, such as bridges, that are of architectural or historical importance are placed on a list. Buildings placed on the list are protected through various planning and conservation acts which ensure that their special features of interest are considered before any alterations are made to them. The Listed Buildings List is compiled and maintained by English Heritage. It includes details of where the building is, when it was built, a description of its appearance, and any other special features. back
source OS Card Ordnance Survey Record Card. Before the 1970s the Ordnance Survey (OS) were responsible for recording archaeological monuments during mapping exercises. This helped the Ordnance Survey to decide which monuments to publish on maps. During these exercises the details of the monuments were written down on record cards. Copies of some of the cards are kept at the Warwickshire Sites and Monuments Record. The responsibility for recording archaeological monuments later passed to the Royal Commission on Ancient and Historic Monuments. back
source SAM List Scheduled Ancient Monument List. A list or schedule of archaelogical and historic monuments that are considered to be of national importance. The list contains a detailed description of each Scheduled Ancient Monument (SAM) and a map showing their location and extent. By being placed on the schedule, SAMs are protected by law from any unauthorised distrubance. The list has been compiled and is maintained by English Heritage. It is updated periodically. back
source TBAS Transactions of the Birmingham and Warwickshire Archaeological Society is a journal produced by the society annually. It contains articles about archaeological field work that has taken place in Birmingham and Warwickshire in previous years. Copies of the journal are kept by the Warwickshire Sites and Monuments Record. back
source WMA West Midlands Archaeology. This publication contains a short description for each of the sites where archaeological work has taken place in the previous year. It covers Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, West Midlands and Worcestershire. Some of these descriptions include photographs, plans and drawings of the sites and/or the finds that have been discovered. The publication is produced by the Council For British Archaeology (CBA) West Midlands and is published annually. Copies are held at the Warwickshire Sites and Monuments Record. back
technique Documentary Evidence Documentary evidence is another name for written records. The first written records in Britain date back to the Roman period. Documentary evidence can take many different forms, including maps, charters, letters and written accounts. When archaeologists are researching a site, they often start by looking at documentary evidence to see if there are clues that will help them understand what they might find. Documentary evidence can help archaeologists understand sites that are discovered during an excavation, field survey or aerial survey. back
technique Trial Trench A small regular hole that is usually square or rectangular in shape. Archaeologists dig trial trenches to discover if there are any archaeological remains at a particular location. See also excavation. back
period Modern The Modern Period, about 1915 AD to the present (the 20th and 21st centuries AD)

In recent years archaeologists have realised the importance of recording modern sites. They do this so that in the future people will be able to look at the remains to help them understand the events to which they are related.
more -> 		back
period Medieval 1066 AD to 1539 AD (the 11th century AD to the 16th century AD)

The medieval period comes after the Saxon period and before the post medieval period.

The Medieval period begins in 1066 AD.
This was the year that the Normans, led by William the Conqueror (1066 – 1087), invaded England and defeated Harold Godwinson at the Battle of Hastings in East Sussex.
The Medieval period includes the first half of the Tudor period (1485 – 1603 AD), when the Tudor family reigned in England and eventually in Scotland too.

The end of the Medieval period is marked by Henry VIII’s (1509 – 1547) order for the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the years running up to 1539 AD. The whole of this period is sometimes called the Middle Ages.
more -> 		back
period modern About 1915 AD to the present (the 20th and 21st centuries AD)

In recent years archaeologists have realised the importance of recording modern sites. They do this so that in the future people will be able to look at the remains to help them understand the events to which they are related.
more -> 		back
monument STONE * Use only where stone is natural or where there is no indication of function. back
monument ARCH * A structure over an opening usually formed of wedge-shaped blocks of brick or stone held together by mutual pressure and supported at the sides; they can also be formed from moulded concrete/ cast metal. A component; use for free-standing structure only. back
monument CHURCH * A building used for public Christian worship. Use more specific type where known. back
monument FAIR * A site where a periodical gathering of buyers, sellers and entertainers, meet at a time ordained by charter or statute or by ancient custom. back
monument MUSEUM * A building, group of buildings or space within a building, where objects of value such as works of art, antiquities, scientific specimens, or other artefacts are housed and displayed. back
monument BRIDGE * A structure of wood, stone, iron, brick or concrete, etc, with one or more intervals under it to span a river or other space. Use specific type where known. back
monument CAUSEWAY * A road or pathway raised above surrounding low, wet or uneven ground. back
monument TOLL BRIDGE * A bridge whose upkeep and repair was financed by the exaction of a toll. back
monument ROAD BRIDGE * A bridge carrying a road over land or water. back
monument TRENCH * An excavation used as a means of concealment, protection or both. back
monument PIPELINE * A conduit or pipes, used primarily for conveying petroleum from oil wells to a refinery, or for supplying water to a town or district, etc. back
monument CROSS * A free-standing structure, in the form of a cross (+), symbolizing the structure on which Jesus Christ was crucified and sacred to the Christian faith. Use specific type where known. back
monument STREAM * A natural flow or current of water issuing from a source. back
monument FOOTPATH * A path for pedestrians only. back
monument WALL * An enclosing structure composed of bricks, stones or similar materials, laid in courses. Use specific type where known. back
monument FORD * A shallow place in a river or other stretch of water, where people, animals and vehicles may cross. back

* Copyright of English Heritage (1999)

English Heritage National Monuments Record