Oakley Bridge, Oakley, Bedfordshire - Stone Bridges on Waymarking.com

The bridge is the first available crossing of the river Great Ouse as you reach rural Bedfordshire to the west of Bedford. It is a constant place of flood after heavy rain. One notable date was in '1823: The River Ouse rose 16ft above its normal level at Oakley Bridge. Many animals were drowned. The same flood rose to a height of 2ft in the nave of St. Paul's Church, Bedford'.

As the river sluice gates are opened one-by-one along the river there is a surge in water as the river swells. Held back at Newport Pagnell the water is normally allowed to flow downstream about 48 hours after heavy rain. The river winds its way round from Newport Pagnell arriving in Bedfordshire at Turvey. Then it meanders its way to Harrold bridge, then onto Felmersham bridge, Radwell bridge, Stafford bridge (Oakley) and finally onto our location, Oakley bridge. From Oakley bridge the Great Ouse comes to Bromham before reaching Bedford itself. Thus, the flooding order of the bridge crossings runs as follows (due to levels): Radwell, Harrold, Felmersham, Oakley, Stafford.

There is mention of a mill in the Domesday Survey, located near Oakley Bridge, but this has yet to be marked as all trace has now long since vanished. In 1707 a swimming of a witch was witnessed by the village as they all gathered by the bridge, river and church. The witch was 'swam' twice, her clothes keeping her afloat and the people were then convinced of her guilt. After this she was weighed against the church bible which saw about her release, resulting in her favour. But many parishioners and the Vicar still thought she was guilty.

Oakley Bridge has five-arches and carries an inscription to mark the height of the 1823 flood mentioned earlier. There is a weir nearby to the west and several islands. Footpaths run across these islands and allow you to explore a popular spot for the fishing community. There is also a riverside walk to the village of Stevington and upstream from the weir is a popular boating location.

The co-ords will take you to the north side of the bridge.

Physical Location (city, county, etc.): Oakley, Bedfordshire Road, Highway, Street, etc.: Church Lane, Oakley Water or other terrain spanned: River Great Ouse Architect/Builder: Not listed Construction Date: Not listed

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Date Logged Log User Rating   02/16/2012 Norfolk12 visited it