Spittal's Bridge Bannockburn
by Alasdair MacPherson 29th February 2008
Updated 3rd March 2009
Spittal's Bridge in the old town of Bannockburn spans the Bannock Burn from South to North and has an overall length of 158 feet, including the approaches. It consists of a single segmental arch which has a span of 33ft 10 inches and rises to a height of 14 feet 7 inches. A panel, set within a moulded border, is placed over the crown of the arch on the west side of the bridge bears the following inscription:
THIS BRIDGE WAS/BUILT BY ROBERT/SPITTAL TAYLOR/TO KING JAMES/ THE FOURTH 1516/ PRO PATRIA/ ET POSTERIS/ REPAIRED BY THE JU/STICES OF PEACE 1710/ 12 FEET ADDED TO/ THE BREADTH BY THE/ TRUSTEES 1781.
The inscription is incised and incorporates a pair of scissors carved in relief. Although the panel can hardly be earlier in date than the last 18th century, its inscription may embody an authentic tradition. If this is so, the older part of the present structure would date from the early 16th century, repairs having been effected in 1631 and 1710 and a more general remodelling of the bridge having been undertaken in 1781.
The bridge is listed by Historic Scotland as an Ancient Scheduled Monument.
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Photo taken in 1930's
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The bridge is in a terrible state and needs restoration works done urgently, as can be witnessed on the photo below.
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Photo taken February 2008
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