Bridges
Bridges
The “Maidstone Bridge” or the “Great Bridge” is thought to date to the C14th – a coin from Edward III’s (1327-1377) reign was found when the old bridge was demolished. Archbishop Courtenay is reputed to have been responsible for first bridge at Maidstone. Almshouses were built at the end of the bridge and were maintained by Corpus Christi, but by 1808 (when the bridge was widened) the almshouses had been pulled down. The bridge was originally c.11 ft wide and 104ft long , constructed of ‘free stone'. Edward Hasted writing in 1798, noted that “Over the river here [Maidstone] there is an unsightly ancient stone bridge of seven arches, supposed to have been first erected by some of the archbishops, lords of the manor. It was repaired in King James I's reign by an assessment on the town and parish, but it still remains both narrow and inconvenient.” In 1808, this problem was remedied, as the bridge was almost tripled in width - to 30ft. By 1874, however, it was considered unsafe. Sir Joseph Bazalgette appointed to build new bridge which opened in 6th August 1879. It cost £55,000. There was a special ceremony to celebrate the opening of the new bridge – speeches by the mayor, and a band playing the National Anthem (as well as hymns). The “Old bridge” was only demolished after new bridge completed. Later, the bridge was widened from 40ft to 60ft. When these repairs were completed the bridge was reopened, on 2nd November 1927.
St. Peter’s Bridge
This bridge was built in late 1970s in response to traffic congestion problems. It was opened by Duke of Kent on 23rd November 1978.
Millennium Footbridge
The Millennium footbridge was opened by Prince Michael of Kent on 27th October 1999. The original estimate was £388,350, but with delays the final cost was nearby double this (£630,000). The bridge links the town to the lock meadow leisure complex