Crossing the Severn

The reason Gloucester exists at all is because for centuries it was the most southerly point that the River Severn is narrow enough to cross easily. There have been many bridges over the years.

Foreign Bridge: This medieval bridge can no longer be seen but is preserved deep under Westgate Street.

Westgate Bridge: This bridge once had a drawbridge and a fortified tower used as a prison. People had to pay a toll before they could cross it.

Over Bridge: Today there are three bridges here, a modern one for cars and lorries, an older one for railway trains and another for walkers and cyclists built by the world famous engineer Thomas Telford.