Magdalen Bridge, Oxford

To travel between the Plain and the High Street, or in the opposite direction, you will need to cross Magdalen Bridge, which stretches over the River Cherwell and is separated by a small island at this location.

A bridge has existed at this location for many centuries. The earliest records of a bridge here date back to just before the year 1002, and it was initially a narrow wooden structure. Subsequent wooden bridges replaced the original one until the 16th century when the first stone bridge was constructed. This stone bridge measured 460 meters in length and featured 20 arches.

By the year 1769, the bridge had become too narrow to accommodate the increasing traffic to and from the expanding city center. Additionally, it suffered from deterioration due to inadequate maintenance and the frequent flooding of the river, which occurred several times a year. Ultimately, during the spring floods of 1772, several arches on the western side of the bridge deteriorated, leading to its closure.

The present-day bridge was designed by John Gwynn and constructed between 1772 and 1790 by John Randall. It comprises 11 arches, with the central one spanning the island and containing water only during periods of island flooding. Three arches span the two branches of the river, each flanked by two smaller arches on the outer banks. Initially, the bridge was 8 meters wide when it was built, but it was widened to 14 meters in 1882.

A recent tradition among students involves jumping off the bridge during the May Day celebrations. However, the water beneath the bridge is not very deep, and there have been accidents in the past. Consequently, the bridge is now closed to the public on May Day.