Pease Bridge

A fine red-sandstone bridge over a ravine known as Pease Dean in the NE Scottish Borders, Pease Bridge was said to be the highest bridge in the world at 39m (127 feet) when it opened in 1786 and was long regarded as one of the most wonderful structures in Scotland. Located 1¼ miles (2 km) southeast of Cockburnspath, the bridge was built to carry the Edinburgh to Berwick turnpike road and comprises four tall masonry arches with spans between 12.8m (42 feet) and 17m (56 feet), giving a total length of 91m (300 feet). Designed and built by David Henderson, the bridge is 4.9m (16 feet) in width and the parapet is surmounted by an iron railing. There are distinctive circular voids above each spandrel, both decorative and intended to lighten the load on the piers.

In 2004, the bridge was temporarily closed for major work to replace deteriorating stonework and areas of decayed lime mortar. Both parapets were taken down and rebuilt, areas of the spandrel walls and wing walls were raked out and re-pointed and a new buttress constructed.


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