Village History
THE SPAN OF THE ARCH IS TWELVE FEET,
the total height of the bridge being ten feet, and each approach is twenty-three feet long. The total cost of the work has been about .£l5O, and on Monday, with appropriate ceremony, it was handed over to the parish of Steeple Claydon. The bridge will be a great advantage to all parties travelling the road. Formerly there was an old raised wooden structure by the side of the ford ; but in times of flood this footway was unapproachable, and the water was often so deep as to prevent the passage of animals through the ford, so that it not infrequently happened that they had to halt by the roadside during the day or night, awaiting the subsidence of the water. During large floods the ford was totally impassable even for horsemen and carriages. These dangers and inconveniences are now entirely obviated, thanks mainly to the exertions of the three gentlemen already mentioned. It was decided to mark the dedication of the bridge with fitting rejoicings, and, to add to their completeness, to include the local harvest thanksgiving on the occasion. Lord and Lady Addington, and Sir Harry and Lady Verney kindly promised to attend, and the result of all the efforts made was that very numerous gathering assembled to take part in the festivities. The bridge is bounded by land belonging to Lord Addington, and Mr. Thomas Adams placed one of the large fields adjoining it at the disposal of the committee. Here Mr. William Dodge erected his own cost several marquees. On the opposite side of the road Mr. Albert Bonner allowed cricket, &c, to be played in one of his fields. Over the entrance to the field were displayed the mottoes “Our Harvest Home,” and Our Joyful Jubilee.” one o’clock the Steeple Claydon brass band proceeded to the Schoolroom, whence the children marched, carrying a large number of small flags, along the road to the field under the care of their teachers, Miss Jackson and Miss Upton. to be continued…………………….
Bucks Herald -Saturday 24 September 1887
