Medieval Exe Bridge, Exeter

Bridge in Exeter

Mediaeval Exe Bridge
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Harry Mitchell

The Medieval Exe Bridge is one of the must-see places in Exeter for anyone fascinated by engineering history and medieval life. Begun in 1190 and completed by 1214, it once stretched nearly 600 feet across the River Exe and its marshy floodplain, linking the west gate of the city with the settlements beyond. Today, its restored arches and the remains of St Edmund's Church form a striking open-air monument that tells the story of Exeter's growth and resilience.

What makes the surviving section so compelling is not only its age but also the way it reveals layers of life: from Roman river crossings to medieval merchants travelling the country to raise funds, and from timber-framed shops lining its span to the chapel that still clings to the bridge's core. This is often visited on walking tours of Exeter and feels like stepping directly into the centuries when bridges were as much social and commercial hubs as transport routes.

History and Significance of Medieval Exe Bridge

The story of the Medieval Exe Bridge begins with the efforts of Nicholas and Walter Gervase, father-and-son merchants who spearheaded the project in the late 12th century. Their fundraising efforts across England helped create a bridge that was extraordinary for its time, with 17 or 18 arches spanning what was then a wide, marshy river plain. No records survive of the bridge builders themselves, but their work became a vital artery into Exeter for nearly 600 years.

At its completion, the bridge was one of England’s most ambitious medieval engineering projects. It was the oldest surviving bridge of its size and unique for incorporating not just a religious building but secular ones too. St Edmund’s Church, constructed on the bridge itself, created a spiritual gateway for travellers entering the city. Alongside it rose timber-framed shops and homes, making the bridge a bustling commercial district long before the concept of “high streets” took hold.

Time and nature tested the structure repeatedly. Flooding, silt build-up, and regular collapse meant that it needed extensive repairs from as early as 1286. By the 16th century it was again in poor condition, yet it remained in use until 1778. When modern bridgeworks in the 20th century revealed buried medieval arches, Exeter transformed the remains into a public park, preserving one of the top sights in Exeter for future generations.

Things to See and Do in Medieval Exe Bridge

Visitors can walk among the exposed arches and foundations that once formed a bridge stretching far across the old riverbed. The surviving eight and a half arches give a tangible impression of the bridge’s scale and the impressive engineering behind its construction. With landscaped surroundings, the site offers a peaceful place to appreciate medieval architecture up close.

St Edmund’s Church remains the most striking feature. Built directly into the bridge in the early 13th century, it is the oldest surviving bridge chapel in Britain. Standing beside its ruined walls, it’s easy to imagine how the medieval bridge functioned not just as infrastructure but as a centre of faith, trade, and community for hundreds of years.

The path around the site also highlights how the River Exe changed over time, with silt deposits gradually transforming wetlands into firm ground. Interpretation boards explain the evolution of nearby Frog Street, where houses once leaned against a protective wall extending from the church. For photographers and history lovers, the open views of the arches are especially compelling.

How to Get to Medieval Exe Bridge

The Medieval Exe Bridge is located just west of Exeter's historic centre and is simple to reach on foot once you're in the city. The nearest airports are Exeter Airport and Bristol Airport, both offering convenient access for domestic and international travellers. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Exeter on Booking.com.

For those arriving by rail, Exeter St Thomas railway station is the closest, with Exeter St David's also within easy walking distance. Regular trains connect Exeter with London Paddington, Bristol, Plymouth, and the wider Devon region. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

Travelling by car is straightforward, with several car parks near the city centre and along the western side of the Exe. From there, it’s a short walk to the bridge remains.

Practical Tips on Visiting Medieval Exe Bridge

  • Best time to visit Medieval Exe Bridge: Early morning or late afternoon offers good light for photography and a quiet atmosphere for exploring the ruins.
  • Entrance fee in Euros: Free to visit at all times.
  • Opening hours: Open year-round as part of a public park.
  • Official website: Information is available through Exeter City Council's heritage listings.
  • How long to spend: Around 30 minutes to an hour is ideal for exploring the arches and chapel remains.
  • Accessibility: The site has uneven ground and some steps, but several viewing areas are accessible.
  • Facilities: Benches, interpretive signs, and nearby cafés in Exeter’s city centre.
  • Photography tip: Stand near the eastern end to capture the arches curving toward the chapel remains.
  • Guided tours: Included in some local walking tours focusing on Exeter’s medieval history.
  • Nearby food options: Plenty of eateries along Fore Street, just a short walk away.

Where to Stay close to Medieval Exe Bridge

The area around the Medieval Exe Bridge is well-placed for exploring Exeter's historic streets and riverbanks. A comfortable and characterful option is Mercure Exeter Rougemont Hotel, offering classic rooms moments from the city’s main attractions. For travellers seeking a modern feel, Leonardo Hotel Exeter delivers contemporary style within convenient walking distance of the bridge and the High Street. Another excellent choice is Hotel du Vin Exeter, set in a historic former hospital with elegant interiors and a serene garden.

Add a Is Medieval Exe Bridge Worth Visiting?

Yes, the Medieval Exe Bridge is absolutely worth visiting, especially for travellers who enjoy exploring places where everyday modern life sits alongside surprising layers of history. The exposed arches, the rare bridge chapel, and the sense of the bridge's original scale make it one of the things to do in Exeter for anyone curious about medieval engineering or local heritage. It's a short, rewarding stop that connects seamlessly with the wider story of the city.

FAQs for Visiting Medieval Exe Bridge

Where is the Medieval Exe Bridge located?
It sits just west of Exeter’s city centre, near the junction of Western Way and Exe Bridges.

Is the Medieval Exe Bridge free to visit?
Yes, the site is completely free and open to the public.

Can you walk across the bridge today?
No, only the remaining arches survive, but you can walk around them in the landscaped park.

Is St Edmund’s Church still intact?
The church survives as atmospheric ruins built into the bridge’s central arches.

How old is the Medieval Exe Bridge?
Construction began in 1190 and it remained in use for nearly 600 years.

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The Medieval Exe Bridge appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Exeter!

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Visiting Medieval Exe Bridge

Address: The Medieval Exe Bridge, Exeter, UK
Exeter: 1 km

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