Dating back to 1160AD, Lincoln’s High Bridge is the oldest bridge in the United Kingdom to still have buildings on it.

The stone High Bridge was built around 1160, possibly replacing a wooden bridge. The first building to be built on the bridge, that is now part of Lincoln High Street, was a chapel, dedicated to Thomas Becket – a common occurance on Medieval English bridges.

This chapel was removed in the 18th century and an obelisk containing a conduit erected in its place – part of the city’s water system. The obelisk was removed in 1939 (due to concerns with its weight on the bridge) and recreated at St Marks Shopping Centre in 1996.

All that is left from the bridge’s original purposes is a short row of black and white timbered shops, dating back to around 1550.  The shops currently house Stokes High Bridge Cafe and Stokes to Go.

The High Bridge was built around 1160 at the point where Lincoln High Street crosses the River Witham.

High Bridge is the oldest bridge in Britain to have buildings actually constructed on it. Soon after being built, it was extended east to accomodate a chapel in memory of the martyred archbishop Thomas Becket, which stood here until 1763. In medieval times the bridge became the city’s main point for meat and fish trading. The river here is shallow, however, preventing larger boats getting through. It was only the cost of demolition that saved the bridge from being pulled down in 1803.*

*From the Pitkin City Guide to Lincoln