The exact date of construction of Weetwood Bridge is not known. However it is believed to have been built during the early part of the 16th Century and was either in place at the time of the Battle of Flodden or replaced an earlier crossing on the same site. When compared to other medieval bridges, such as that at Twizel, it is clear that this bridge has been heavily modified including changes to its structure and width.
A carved stone on the south side of the structure carries the date of 1775 and points to the period when much of the modification to this beautiful and striking bridge occurred. Further works were carried out during the 19th Century and more recently in 2004-2006.
The bridge lies on the direct line from Wooler Haugh to join the Devil’s Causeway on the north side of the River Till and would have offered the best crossing point for heavier elements of Surrey’s Army during its march on the 8th of September 1513 from Wooler to Barmoor, as Surrey positioned his force to outflank the Scottish Army on Flodden Hill on the following morning. Following the route of St Cuthbert’s Way on foot south and west from the bridge towards Wooler will take you across Wooler Haugh and provide the best opportunities to view these fields from above on the sandstone hills to the east of Wooler.
Recently it was noticed that the faces of the bridge were splaying outwards near its crown, under the weight of its own core. Over an 18 month period the bridge had much of its original core removed and new structural ties were placed to hold the two faces together. The core was then replaced with a polystyrene substitute used to reduce the overall weight of the structure and prevent further outward sagging.
The bridge is also home to a colony of rare Daubenton’s bats, a nationally protected species.
Weetwood Bridge is a Listed Grade I structure.
