In the reign of Henry II. it was called St. George’s Bridge. Why?
Because St. George’s Chapel, with the Hospital of St. John to which the
chapel was annexed—both were taken down early in the time of
Elizabeth—was situated near it, in that portion now distinguished by the
exquisite appellation of The Stew. The name was altered to indicate its
geographical position as the road which leads to North Wales. It is
conjectured that St. George’s Bridge was built by Edward IV. It
consisted of seven arches, and had a gate at each end. The gate at the
Welsh or Frankwell end was secured by an outwork, and over it was the
statue of a man in armour which has been referred to as having been
transferred to the Market Hall. The gate at the Mardol end of the bridge
was surmounted by a massive tower with a house and battlement. The tower
was destroyed about 1770, and the bridge itself, damaged by the frequent
floods, was demolished immediately after. A contribution was then
started for the erection of a new one. The Corporation liberally gave
£4,000, and in a short time the necessary sum of £8,000, was procured
upon the voluntary principle. The stone was laid in 1793, and the
structure completed in 1795. It has five semi-circular arches, a fine
balustrade, is 266 feet in length, and 30 feet in breadth. At the end of
the bridge we come into