PART of a huge Roman bridge which would have once spanned the River Tyne has been saved from destruction by a team of archaeologists at Corbridge.
The original bridge would have carried the main Roman road from London to Scotland – the Roman 'Great North Road' - and it is thought that it collapsed due to erosion from the river during the Anglo-Saxon period.
The ruins of the bridge were uncovered when the excavation began three years ago.
Following extensive consultation, it was decided that the only way to protect the remains was to dismantle them and re-assemble them nearby on a site which was safe from erosion.
Paul Bidwell, senior manager with Tyne and Wear Museums' Archaeology, says: "Originally the bridge remains were very difficult to understand and appreciate, and could only be seen by those who know where to look.
"Now, thanks to the hard work of the archaeology department and the help of the volunteers, the re-assembled remains can be seen in all their glory and can be appreciated for years to come."
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# Posted by Michelle Moran @ |
Sunday, February 03, 2008