The original Bideford Bridge was built in Oak on rough stone foundations and lasted for approximately 200 years. However during this time it had to be repaired or reconstructed a number of times	The first masonry arch bridge was built around the old timber bridge. This allowed traffic to continue using the bridge and also the old bridge could be used as scaffolding. This explains the reason that all of the arches have a different span as the spans of the old wooden bridge varied according to the different lengths of timber used as lintels.

Allhallows chapel at the end of the timber bridge	Masonry structure with ecclesiastical gothic arches
Original Timber Bridge	Masonry structure with ecclesiastical gothic arches
	Looking across to Bideford from East the Water
The first widening was achieved by the addition of semicircular arches constructed against the old spandrel walls. The work was carried out between 1795 and 1810 and gave Road width 2.74m (9'-0") and Pavements either side of 0.61m (2'-0").	Steel brackets resting on stone corbels built onto the extreme edge of the cutwaters supported steel plate girders. A cast iron decorative parapet was fixed to these girders. The widening scheme which took two years to complete increased the road width to 4.5m (14'-9") and pavements to 1.37m (4'-6").
Early photograph of bridge c1840 showing distinctive refuges for pedestrians	Railway Engine leaving Bideford for the First World War on track laid temporarily across the bridge.
Bridge widened by adding circular arches	Bridge widened further in steel and cast iron
Bridge widened by adding circular arches	View towards Bruswick Wharf

Photographs reproduced by permission of the Burton Art Gallery and Museum