Views of Nottingham

Trent Bridge

Trent Bridge is Nottingham’s main entrance across the River Trent from the south.

The current bridge is the third known bridge to cross The Trent at this point.  The first bridge was built around 920 and the second one in 1156.  This second bridge was constructed from stone and had more than 20 arches and had a chapel to St James at one end.  A small section of this medieval bridge has been preserved and is still visible on the south bank

Part of the Medieval Trent Bridge still exists

The bridge was damaged by flooding several times and in 1863 the Northern section was washed away.  The bridge was repaired, but had by now become so unsafe it was decided to completely replace it.

The Current Bridge

The current Trent Bridge was designed by Nottinghams Borough Engineer, Marriott Ogle Tarbotton. Work started in 1868 and was completed in 1871.  There are three arches, each spanning 100ft. Originally Trent Bridge was 40ft wide, but it was widened to 80ft between 1924 and 1926.

For many years, both old and new bridges stood side-by-side and even after the old bridge was demolished, locals would talk about ‘going down the bridges’.

Detail of the decoration on Trent Bridge