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Polharrow Bridge

Bridge (18th Century)

Site Name Polharrow Bridge

Classification Bridge (18th Century)

Alternative Name(s) Bridge Over Polharrow Burn; Polharrow Burn, Old Bridge

Canmore ID 83003

Site Number NX68SW 33

NGR NX 60321 84357

Datum OSGB36 - NGR

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/83003

Ordnance Survey licence number AC0000807262. All rights reserved.
Canmore Disclaimer. © Copyright and database right 2024.

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Administrative Areas

  • Council Dumfries And Galloway
  • Parish Kells
  • Former Region Dumfries And Galloway
  • Former District Stewartry
  • Former County Kirkcudbrightshire

Archaeology Notes

NX68SW 33 60321 84357

(NX 6031 8435) Polharrow bridge was built in the early 18th century by gift of Quintin Maclurg, tailor. It has two main arches with a central buttress and a small arch on the W side.

SDD list nd.

This bridge has been widened, and the modern Dalry - Carsphairn road passes over it.

J Barour 1896.

There is now no trace of the early 18th century bridge. The present three arch bridge bears a plaque inscribed with the date 1841.

Visited by OS (TRG), 10 Feburary 1978.

According to Historic Scotland List Description Polharrow Bridge has now been bypassed and is no longer is used. Information from RCAHMS (LKFJ), April 2002.

This bridge carries the former line of the A713 public road over the Polharrow Burn about 3.6km NNW of St John's Town of Dalry and about 60m above (to the W of) debouchemnt of the burn into the Water of Ken.

The successor and present bridge is situated immediately to the E.

Information from RCAHMS (RJCM), 15 July 2006.

Activities

Photographic Survey (1 August 2019 - 31 August 2019)

NX 60321 84357 A programme of work was carried out at Polharrow Bridge during July 2019 (Canmore ID: 83003).

The survey recorded Polharrow Bridge structure as a triple arch bridge with two main arches and a smaller flood relief arch on its N end. The bridge was constructed of basalt and sandstone rubble with dressed stone parapets topped with granite copings. The estrados and the main arches have a distinct butting joint running the full length of both barrel vaults. The survey recorded carved stones confirming the Phase 1 Bridge was of 18th century date and it was enlarged in the early 19th century.

The trial pitting watching brief consisted of the excavation of six trial pits in the carriageway of the bridge. These showed that the bridge surface comprised rubble overlain by hardcore material, which was in turn covered with tarmac.

Archive: NRHE (intended)

Funder: Land Use Consultants

Mike Cressey and Graeme Carruthers - CFA Archaeology Ltd

(Source: DES Vol 20)

OASIS ID: cfaarcha1-365380

References

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