Village History
OPENING OF THE JUBILEE BRIDGE 1887
At the last Lady-day vestry for the parish of Steeple Claydon the question of erecting a bridge over Herd’s Ford, on the Padbury and Claydon roads, was mentioned and discussed, being suggested that the work might be undertaken by the Steeple Claydon surveyors. To this, however, several ratepayers objected. It was then thought that the Queen’s Jubilee could not be more fittingly celebrated in the parish than by the erection of a Jubilee bridge. Some of the farmers met and talked the matter over, and committee was appointed to collect subscriptions, so that the bridge might be erected without touching the rates. Mr. H. Small, who with Mr. F. Farmborough and Mr. Geo. Ingram formed the working committee, headed the subscription list with £20, and .£5O being speedily promised the committee decided to commence the work. The design of the bridge were entrusted to Mr. Harris, county surveyor, and the work of building to Mr. William Cox, mason, and Mr. A. Sear, carpenter, both of Steeple Claydon. The bridge is erected on the south-east side of the ford, and is substantial and attractive structure. It is of red brick, finished with blue Staffordshire bricks, the approaches being guarded by oak posts and iron tubing rails. Mr. Farmborough and Mr. Ingram superintended the work, and the result reflects credit on all concerned. Over the centre of the arch, on the ford side, is inserted slab of Yorkshire stone, on which Mr. William Dodge has cleverly carved crown, with inscription as follows:—” Steeple Claydon Jubilee Bridge, 1887.” Fortunately, owing to the dry season, there has been no water the ford, owing to which the work has progressed rapidly and satisfactorily. to be continued………….
Bucks Herald -Saturday 24 September 1887
