Tragic heritage of a a city bridge

December 18, 2001

The sun strikes the ancient stonework of Bishop Bridge, the only surviving medieval bridge in Norwich, dating from 1340. Robert Kett and the Earl of Warwick’s troops fought a battle on the approach to the bridge in 1549.

BISHOP GATE
THIS is surely one of the Norwich roads that has seen more tragedy and sadness than most over the centuries. It led to the place where the poor souls who fell foul of those in authority were burnt as the crowds howled and cheered.

The famous city writer George Borrow once wrote: “Many a saint has breathed his last near here, midst flame and pitch.

“Many a grisly procession has advanced along that suburb towards Lollards Hole; furious priests in front, a calm martyr in the midst, a pitying multitude behind.

“Remember, it has had its martyrs, the venerable old town,” said wise old George, the former Norwich Grammar School boy who travelled the world.

Bishop Gate was built over the west approach of Bishop Bridge. The bridge was kept in repair and was in the possession of the Bishops and Priors of Norwich and St Leonards in 1249.

It was handed over by them to the city in 1393. In a charter of 1343, Richard Spynk is stated to have borne the cost of “the gate upon Bishop Bridge entirely and all the arches from pier to pier with the drawbridge.”

Generous Mr S also coughed up for part of the costs of “the bars and chains for the gate”. The thoroughfare was originally known as Holmestrete — leading over flat ground near the river.

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