The Welsh Bridge

It's fair to say that the geography around the town of Shrewsbury has changed significantly over the years - and no other place shows that better than The Welsh Bridge!

Situated on the outskirts of Shrewsbury's town centre, The Welsh Bridge, as it's name suggests, used to be a main crossing point between England and Wales! As such, the original bridge came complete with various turrets and defensive towers so no one could use the bridge if England and Wales were ever at war.

Over time, the borders of each of the two countries changed, and land on the opposite side of the bridge that was once owned by Wales fell into English hands. This, coupled with the two countries becoming friends, meant that the bridge was no longer fit for purpose. Over the years it gradually began to fall apart as a result of less people needing to use it, to the point where it was no longer safe for people to cross!

It was clear that a new bridge was needed if Shrewsbury was going to remain a successful market town. So, in 1793, John Tilley and John Carline designed and built a brand-new bridge 73 metres downstream from where the original one once stood - a bridge that still stands to this day!

However, this brand-new bridge meant that people from all across Wales would potentially be crossing over to experience Shrewsbury's markets - some of which would be up to no good! As the new bridge no longer had towers or any way to keep bad people out, the words 'Commit No Nuisance' were carved into a stone on the bridge as a warning to anyone thinking about causing mischief!