34 
BRIDGES. 
The principal bridges in the county are those over 
the Severn, of which Worcester has a very handsome 
modern built stone bridge; there is also another at 
Upton, and a third at Bewdley modern built; but the 
most extraordinary and remarkable is that at Stourport, 
consisting of a single iron arch over the main channel 
of the river, of 150 feet span, and about 50 feet per¬ 
pendicular rise above low water. The avenues to this 
main arch consist of a number of brick arches, cover¬ 
ing the flood water Avay; the former bridge was of 
stone, and after standing only a few years from its erec¬ 
tion, was swept away by a great flood, and immense 
shoals of ice brought down in consequence of a sud¬ 
den thaw, after a great snow and severe frost; it was 
therefore, with great public spirit, determined to erect 
the present iron arch, which is so roomy that no ob¬ 
struction is given to the course of the river under any 
circumstances. The thoroughfare over this bridge is so 
considerable, that I understand the tolls upon it arss » 
farmed at about 5001. per annum. 
CHAP. 
