Brig o' Balgownie

While out with the boys this afteroon we went by the Brig o' Balgownie. It is set in the Bridge of Don/Seaton part of town and in a nice quiet location. Below is some information I've found out about the bridge itself.

The Brig o' Balgownie (originally Bridge of Don) is a 13th century bridge spanning the River Don in Old Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland.

Construction of the bridge was begun in the late 13th century by Richard Cementarius, although its completion was not until 1320 at the time of the Scottish War of Independence. After falling into disrepair in the mid 16th century it was extensively renovated in 1605.

Throughout its history the bridge has been considered an important asset. For five centuries possession of the bridge was the only way to move large armies quickly along the eastern coast of Aberdeenshire. It also provided a trade route to the wealthy areas of the north-east of Scotland.

The bridge is constructed of granite and sandstone. Its single gothic arch has span of over 12 metres and at low tide the apex of the arch lies over 17 metres above the water-line.

The bridge ceased to be a major route in 1830 when the new Bridge of Don was built five hundred yards downstream. Today it is open to foot and bicycle traffic only and is infamous throughout the student population of Aberdeen University where students jump off the bridge at high tide during the summer. However students can still jump at low tide as the river is still deep enough at a fair 17 ft deep at low tide.