# Wilton Bridge

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> Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilton_Bridge
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{{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](/source/River_Wye)
|locale = [Herefordshire](/source/Herefordshire)
|maint = 
|id = 
|design = Six spans, segmental arches,<br>red [sandstone](/source/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](/source/Listed_building) bridge crossing the [River Wye](/source/River_Wye) between [Wilton, Herefordshire](/source/Wilton%2C_Herefordshire) and [Ross-on-Wye](/source/Ross-on-Wye), [Herefordshire](/source/Herefordshire), [England](/source/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](/source/English_Civil_War).  The bridge was widened and reinforced with concrete in 1914.<ref name=htt /> A [sundial](/source/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](/source/Royal_Commission_on_the_Historical_Monuments_of_England) 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](/source/List_of_crossings_of_the_River_Wye)

==References==
<references>

<ref name=OS>{{Citation | title = Gloucester & Forest of Dean 162 (Landranger Maps) | publisher = [Ordnance Survey](/source/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](/source/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

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Wilton Bridge](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilton_Bridge) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilton_Bridge?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.