A medieval bridge to nowhere – Pont Dafydd, St Asaph

There is a tiny medieval bridge called Pont Dafydd in a field right next to the A55 north Wales expressway. It no longer has a river running under it, and traffic no longer goes over it. But the history behind it is fascinating.

Watch my short video all about Pont Dafydd medieval bridge. I speak about the history of the site, why it is listed and a Scheduled Monument, and why it now leads to nowhere.

Pont Dafydd – or Dafydd’s Bridge – has been here since the 15th Century according to records and built by (or for) Bishop Dafydd. The current structure here dates to 1630. It was once a main road linking St Asaph and its cathedral with the holy well of Saint Winefride at Holywell. You can watch another of my videos about Saint Winefride and her connections to the local area here:

This medieval bridge is still in a really good, original condition. Additionally, it is listed as an example of a county bridge with original paving. The bridge had conservation work done by Denbighshire Countryside Service a few years ago. The original cobbles, parapets and axe-dressed limestone masonry were repaired and cleared of vegetation.

Over the years, the course of the river changed. However, the river was rerouted completely in 1969, when the A55 was widened. Consequently, the medieval bridge was no longer needed and today sits alone in a field to the north of the main dual-carriageway, used only as a footpath and for farm traffic.

It’s a place which has seen so many people pass over it over the years, but now hardly sees anyone. It is an interesting place which is often overlooked or goes unnoticed. So if you’re ever being driven on the A55 near St Asaph, take a glance into the field to the north east of the tiny city and try to get a glimpse of this once busy place, now a road to nowhere…

Well, I do love a good bridge! Check out my post all about the 200th anniversary of the laying of the first stone of the Menai suspension bridge, Anglesey. I was honoured to asked to be the presenter of the special video all about the history of the Menai Bridge, Ynys Mon, and the celebrations of the anniversary for Menai Heritage. You can watch the video and read more here: http://idigarchaeology.co.uk/film-to-celebrate-200-years-of-angleseys-menai-bridge/