Historic Building Details

HB Ref No:
HB16/07/054

Address :
Bridge over Shankys River near Leitrim Rd Hilltown Newry Co Down BT34 5XS

Townland:
Leitrim

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Survey 2:
Record Only

Date of Listing:

Date of De-listing:

Current Use:
Bridge

Former Use
Bridge

Conservation Area:
No

Industrial Archaeology:
Yes

Vernacular:
No

Thatched:
No

Monument:
No

Derelict:
No

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OS Map No:
268/9

IG Ref:
J2250 2550

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Owner Category

Private

Exterior Description And Setting

Triple span bridge carries mountain track over Shankys River, a tributary of the Rocky River. Abutments and piers of roughly squared granite blocks, all skew set to the track above. The actual spans consist of granite lintels; that at upstream left exhibits plug and feature marks. The spans on the upstream side measure from left to right: 85cm, 95cm, 100cm. The width of the track is 3.05m. The bed of the stream is lined with boulders, with a low fall on the downstream side. There is a small flood culvert on the left bank; the lintel on its downstream face has been replaced with one of pre-cast reinforced concrete.

Architects

Not Known

Historical Information

The 1859, 1902 and 1919 OS 6" maps all note a ford and stepping stones at this location; the track ascends to Castle Bog (peat extraction). The bridge is evidently of later date. Primary sources: 1. 2nd edition OS 6” map, Down sheet 52 (1859). 2. 3rd edition OS 6” map, Down sheet 52 (1902). 3. 4th edition OS 6” map, Down sheet 52 (1919).

Criteria for Listing

Architectural Interest

Not listed

Historic Interest

Not listed

Evaluation

Of some interest because of its lintel construction - unusual, but entirely appropriate for its situation and purpose. The short spans reflect the limitations of spanning gaps in this way.

General Comments

Date of Survey

11 February 1999