Whitney Bridge

Whitney Bridge (a working Toll Bridge) is Grade II listed ancient structure with a social and historical interest. The original toll bridge was enabled in 1774 as a more convenient crossing to the River Wye, other than by ferry. It was built under the authority of two Acts of Parliament 1780 and 1797 which were ratified by King George III and the Prime Minister of the day William Pitt the Younger. The Enabling Acts of Parliament are still in existence and all guidelines and clauses written into the Acts are as relevant today as they were 240 years ago.

One of the main elements of the Acts is the charge of a toll fee in order to keep Whitney Bridge open, well maintained and safe for passage in perpetuity. The toll fee is governed by Parliament today and cannot be increased without a new Act being passed by the Secretary of State - the last increase was agreed in 2009.

The first bridge built completely in stone in 1779 washed away in the strong river flood waters, as was the rebuilt bridge, therefore in 1797 the owners at the time asked Parliament to agree a further Act which enabled the bridge to be built in Oak which would survive the flood waters. Therefore in 1797 a part stone, part timber bridge was constructed in pretty much the design that you see today. Full reconstruction of the Oak sections took place in 1993 at a cost of £300,000.

Maggie Taylor and Grahame Penny, who bought the bridge in January 2012 and now live in the attached Toll Cottage, see themselves more as custodians and caretakers of this unique historic monument.

The charge of 80p that car drivers pay to cross the bridge just about pays for its maintenance.