Brig o' Balgownie | |
|---|---|
 The Brig o' Balgownie in April 2005 | |
| Coordinates | 57°10′38″N 2°05′55″W / 57.1772°N 2.0985°W |
| Crosses | River Don, Aberdeenshire |
| Locale | Aberdeen, Scotland |
| Followed by | Bridge of Don (bridge) Diamond Bridge |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Arch bridge |
| Material | Sandstone and granite |
| Longest span | 12 metres (39 ft) |
| No. of spans | 1 |
| Clearance below | 17 metres (56 ft) |
| History | |
| Designer | Uncertain, possibly Richard Cementarius |
| Construction start | late 13th century |
| Construction end | 1320 |
| Rebuilt | 1605 |
Listed Building – Category A | |
| Designated | 1967-12-01 |
| Reference no. | LB20067 |
| Location | |
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The Brig o' Balgownie is a 13th-century bridge spanning the River Don in Old Aberdeen, Scotland.
Construction of the bridge was begun in the late 13th century by Richard Cementarius, although its completion was not until 1320 at the time of the Scottish War of Independence. After falling into disrepair in the mid 16th century it was extensively renovated in 1605.[citation needed]
Throughout its history the bridge has been considered an important asset. For five centuries possession of the bridge was the only way to move large armies quickly along the eastern coast of Aberdeenshire. It also provided a trade route to the wealthy areas of the north-east of Scotland.
The bridge is constructed of granite and sandstone. Its single gothic arch has span of over 12 metres (39 ft) and at low tide the apex of the arch lies over 17 metres (56 ft) above the water-line.
The bridge ceased to be a major route in 1830 when the new Bridge of Don was built 500 yards (460 m) downstream.