Fordingbridge Great Bridge in Hampshire, which has stood for more than 750 years, has undergone conservation work after unstable parapet masonry was discovered.
The project was led by Fordingbridge-based Triangle Ltd on behalf of Hampshire County Council, with a clear goal: retain original materials and use traditional repair techniques so the medieval structure stays true to its original craftsmanship while remaining safe for the public.
Triangle Ltd director Zane Engelbrect said the team’s focus went beyond basic repairs, aiming to preserve the bridge’s character and the quality of the original work. Part of the original bridge fabric will also remain visible to the community, with one unusable original stone donated to the local museum.
Specialist stonemasons carried out research to source matching stone, then used lime mortars and hand-finishing techniques to blend new work into the existing fabric. According to the project team, only one original stone was deemed unusable.
For mason contractors and preservation crews, the work is a reminder that successful conservation starts with restraint. Keep as much sound original stone as possible, confirm replacement stone matches the existing material, and select mortars that align with historic construction. The bridge team’s use of lime mortar and careful hand finishing highlights how joint work and surface texture matter as much as the stone itself when repairs sit next to centuries-old masonry.
The restored bridge will continue serving the community, pairing modern engineering oversight with traditional stonemasonry craft.
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