Monument record SMR 024 - Semer Bridge

Bridge over River Brett. Shown on Hodskinson's map of 1783 (S1). Also shown on Saxton's 1575, Speede's 1610 and Bowen's 1755 maps (S3)(S4)(S5). Construction date unknown. Replaced by modern concrete bridge in 1933 (S2).
Said to be small wooden posts and 'laid' bricks within river under bridge, which is said locally to be Tudor (S2).
Documentary evidence (A Breen, details to follow) suggests medieval origin, with associated bridge chapel.
2003: Documentary search and excavations prior to rebuilding of existing bridge, suggest possible medieval origin. It clearly existed in 1537 probably of stone. No remains of the stone bridge except possibly some post packing, were found during the excavation, though a series of timber piles were recorded dating from the C17. Documentary evidence shows a timber bridge was in existence throughout the C17. A three span brick bridge replaced this in 1781, of which photographs remain. This was replaced in 1931. Details in (S6).

Included in the Proceedings of the Suffolk Institute of Archaeology and History annual round up of individual finds and discoveries for 2003 (S7).