Wadebridge
Wadebridge
Wadebridge
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River Camel at Wadebridge
Wadebridge is an historic town standing on the River Camel and now part of the Camel Trail for cyclists and walkers which stretches from Padstow on the coast inland to Bodmin Moor.
Standing on the tidal reaches of the Camel, Wadebridge was once an important port.
It is thought that there has been a river crossing here at Wadebridge since before the Roman period and that the fording of the river was so popular that chapels were built on each side of the River Camel to cater to the visitors and pilgrims - St Michael's on the St Breock side and King's Chapel on the eastern, Egloshayle side.
The bridge in the town centre was built in the mid 1400s and is one of the finest medieval bridges in England. A vicar, the Reverend Lovibond of Egloshayle is credited with its construction. It is said to be built on wool. This has been interpreted literally in that the piers of the bridge stand on wool which does in fact solidify when wet. The alternative view is that the money for the building came from wealthy sheep farmers.
The town was known as Wade in the 1300s.
The parish church of Wadebridge is situated at St Breock, down a quiet tree-lined lane and at Egloshayle on the east of the river.
Around Wadebridge
Of archaeological interest are two Bronze Age standing stones (in Cornish 'menhirs') which stand on St Breock Downs. The first stone is named as Men Gurta and is the heaviest erect standing stone in Cornwall, weighing over 16 tonnes. (Location: Map reference SW 969683).
During February/March each year the Wadebridge Festival of Music and Speech is held. Please contact Jennifer Tarring on +44 (0)1208 841329 or by email at jennifertarring@btinternet.com
General Information
Wadebridge, Rock & Polzeath Tourist Information Centre.
Rotunda Building, Eddystone Road, Wadebridge PL27 7AL
Tel: 0870 122 3337
Fax: +44 (0)1208 813781
Email: wadebridgetic@btconnect.com
Do you have information of a historic or community interest about Wadebridge which you would like featured on this page please email us with your information.
Location:
Located in North Cornwall.
IntoCornwall Area Map Newquay - Padstow Area
Road directions to Wadebridge
Books online:
Click here to buy books online about Wadebridge
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