Shrewsbury open days
November 2005
Museum of London Archaeology Service held two very successful ‘open days’ over 24 and 25 March at our excavation of the Old Welsh Bridge in historic Shrewsbury. Hundreds of interested local people paid a visit to the site and were given a tour by supervisors Bruce Watson and Ian Davies.
Current field work, which started in February, comprises a large trench on the north bank of the Severn (just outside the main walled town and in the outlying Frankwell suburb) right over the site of medieval and post-medieval waterfronts and the ancient approach road leading to the medieval bridge abutment.
At least one complete masonry arch of the historic 'Welsh Bridge', also known as St George's Bridge, (12th century) survives in the centre of the site and remains are being uncovered and fully recorded prior to being preserved in situ.
The bridge served as part of the town’s defences with a barbican (also known as the Welsh Gate) at the Frankwell end and the Mardol Gate at the Shrewsbury end. The excavations have also revealed the sandstone ashlar foundations of the twin bastions of the Welsh Gate on either side of the bridge.
Work involving up to 20 archaeologists is expected to last for a few more weeks and is being carried out with Arup Geotechnics.
The site is being developed by Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council as a New Entertainment Venue. The excavation and preservation of the Bridge has been sponsored by Advantage West Midlands.
Download the two information panels from the Shrewsbury site open days: