The 15th Century Respryn Bridge And The English Civil War

Other than being built in the 15th century Respryn Bridge may not otherwise appear very special - but it made it's mark during the English Civil War (1642–1651).

Respryn Bridge was guarded by Royalists at the outbreak of the Civil War and played an important part in the Battle of Lostwithiel in 1644. The bridge then lay between two estates Lanhydrock and Boconnoc - one side Royalist (King Charles) and the other in Parliamentarian hands.

Following success at Lostwithiel, King Charles rode over Respryn bridge in 1644, on his way from Boconnoc to Lanhydrock.

After the war, an avenue of trees leading up to Lanhydrock House from Respryn Bridge was planted by Lord Robartes to celebrate the King's victory.

Moving on from the Civil War. It can be seen from the photo above that Respryn Bridge is very narrow - only seven feet wide to be precise. There are many such narrow roads in Cornwall and these can take the uninitiated by surprise. An example of this was when the bridge was damaged in 2006 by a 40 tonne lorry that got stuck between the parapets while trying to cross!

I wonder what on earth the driver was thinking? Perhaps it was his Sat Nav that led him astray but, whatever, the mishap caused £30,000 worth of damage,

Hopefully warning signs will now keep the bridge safe.

The photo below is another view from the bridge.

 
See also: The 500 Plus Year Old bridge, St,Austell, Cornwall