{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2017}} {{Use British English|date=January 2017}} {{Infobox bridge |bridge_name = Wilton Bridge |image = River Wye - geograph.org.uk - 1249660.jpg |caption = Wilton Bridge seen from the south side of the river. |official_name = |carries = B4260 |crosses = River Wye |locale = Herefordshire |maint = |id = |design = Six spans, segmental arches,<br>red sandstone |mainspan = |length = {{convert|85|m}} |width = |height = |clearance = |below = |traffic = |open = 1599 |closed = |toll = |coordinates = {{coord|51.9149|-2.5976|region:GB-HEF_type:landmark_dim:100|display=inline,title}}
}} '''Wilton Bridge''' is a Grade I listed bridge crossing the River Wye between Wilton, Herefordshire and Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, England.<ref name=OS />
==History== The bridge was authorised in 1597 and completed two years later. One of the arches was destroyed during the Civil War. The bridge was widened and reinforced with concrete in 1914.<ref name=htt /> A sundial was added in the early 18th century.
==Sundial== {{stack|thumb|Multifaced sundial}} The sundial was commissioned by Jonathan Barrow in 1718. <ref name=NASS189>{{cite journal|title=The sundial on the Bridge|journal=Compendium|date=2011|volume=18|issue=9|page=21|publisher=North American Sundial Society|location=Glastonbury, CT, USA}}</ref> It has an eroded inscription which was recorded by the RCHM as reading <blockquote><poem> Esteem they precious time Which pass so swift away Prepare thee for eternity And do not make delay.<ref name=britishlistedbuildings /> </poem></blockquote>
The sundial was featured in a 1905 published poem by C. M. Paine. <blockquote><poem> On Wilton Bridge o’er restless Wye A moss-grown pillar lifts on high A dial quaint, on whose worn face Whoever will may pause and trace Its message to the passer-by.
It shows life’s hours like shadows fly: Gives counsel wise all should apply; So lighter thoughts to grave give place On Wilton Bridge.
Placed where much beauty charms the eye, These piers both Time and tide defy, Builded of old with massive grace. And though men pass with hurried pace. Content to rest and dream am I – On Wilton Bridge.<ref name=NASS189/> </poem></blockquote>
==See also== *List of crossings of the River Wye
==References== <references>
<ref name=OS>{{Citation | title = Gloucester & Forest of Dean 162 (Landranger Maps) | publisher = Ordnance Survey | year = 2011 | edition = C3 | isbn = 978-0-319-22911-8 }}</ref> <ref name=britishlistedbuildings> {{NHLE| num = 1349266 | desc = Wilton Bridge and Sundial | grade = I | access-date = 28 September 2024}} </ref> <ref name=htt> {{Cite web | title = Herefordshire Through Time - Monument Detail - Wilton Bridge | publisher = Herefordshire Council | url = http://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/htt/smrSearch/Monuments/Monument_Item.aspx?ID=903 | access-date = 2011-05-02}} </ref>
</references>
Category:Grade I listed bridges in England Category:Grade I listed buildings in Herefordshire Category:Bridges across the River Wye Category:Ross-on-Wye Category:Bridges in Herefordshire