St Johns Bridge C1500

Possibly not known to many people is the fact that part of St Johns bridge is medieval and dates from C1500 or considerably earlier.

This eastern archway which is somewhat overgrown and significantly unappreciated may be all that remains of the original and first bridge known to have been built in Helston.

The arch can only be seen from the north east end of the bridge and currently is flooded and full of rubbish.

Its possible that this archway may be the earliest extant structure in Helston?

Currently the arch is in a poor state having the keystone missing and it has likely never been properly surveyed as much is underwater and heavily silted.

Personally I doubt very much that the weight limit on the bridge takes this early structure into consideration,currently there is NO weight limit, it is currently carrying vehicles up to 40 tons yet was built to carry a horse and cart !!

It is beleived that the Hospital of St John was originally located near the bridge and has been recorded as being on a site near the bridge in the 13th century.

Could this arch actually be 700 years old?