Talk by Jackie Smith
"The History of Abingdon and Culham Bridges”
Abingdon Bridge was built in the early 15th century with funding supplied by Abingdon’s religious guild, the Fraternity of the Holy Cross. The bridge is actually two bridges linked by Nag’s Head Island and replaced a ferry. Its completion significantly enhanced trade at Abingdon.
Culham Bridge * was also built in the early 15th century to replace an ancient ford called Culham Hythe. The bridge crosses Swift Ditch which was at one time the main navigation channel of the River Thames until Abingdon Lock was built in 1790.
[ * It is a common misconception that the bridge crossing the Thames between Sutton Courtenay and Culham is called Culham Bridge. This is incorrect. It should correctly be known as Sutton Bridge. ]
During the English Civil War, Culham Bridge had considerable strategic importance. In January 1645, it was the site of a skirmish between the Royalists and Parliamentarians known as the battle of Culham Bridge.
Venue : SC Village Hall
Date/Time : Tuesday 22nd January 2019 7.30 pm
All welcome : SCLHS members free; Visitors £3.00
About the Speaker
Jackie Smith is an historian and honorary archivist to Abingdon Town Council. She has published numerous articles about Abingdon history in local newspapers and journals, for examples see https://tinyurl.com/ya5rb6q6.
