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All the United Kingdom England Tarvin Hockenhull Platts
AO Edited

Hockenhull Platts

Three stone bridges straddling the River Gowy form part of the medieval road from London to Holyhead—despite a common nickname, they're not Roman.

Tarvin, England

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willsmarshall
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One of the bridges   Alex Liivet/CC BY 2.0
One of the bridges   Alex Liivet/CC BY 2.0
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About

Though they're often called the "Roman Bridges," these three bridges across the River Gowy are actually thought to be from the late 18th century. It is believed that there have been bridges in their place since at least the 14th century. 

The bridges are known as the Hockenhull Platts, and they form part of a stretch of Platts Lane—"platt" being an old English word for bridge. At one point, this would have been part of the main road from London to the Welsh port of Holyhead. It was also an important route connecting the salt mines of Nantwich with the port at Chester.

Hockenhull Platts consists of three humpback bridges made from tooled blocks of red sandstone. They were built to mak it easier for people and packhorses to traverse the river and its surrounding marshy landscape.

A gnarled tree a few hundred yards further west is known as "the Hangman" after the local legend that this was where highwaymen who were caught pilfering the valuable salt met their end. The bridges now bisect a nature reserve in which (if you're extremely lucky) it's possible to spot otters.

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Bridges Roman Roads

Know Before You Go

The bridges are easily accessed as the path forms part of the Baker Way footpath from Chester to Delamere. It's possible to park at the end of the western road portion of Platts Lane and walk the last couple of hundred meters on a well-made (muddy in winter) path.

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willsmarshall

Edited By

jonathancarey, Michelle Cassidy

  • jonathancarey
  • Michelle Cassidy

Published

September 13, 2020

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Sources
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hockenhull_Platts
  • https://www.cheshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/nature-reserves/hockenhull-platts
  • https://www.chesterstandard.co.uk/leisure/features/17949879.walk-hockenhull-platts---cheshires-ancient-packhorse-route-8km/
Hockenhull Platts
Platts Ln
Tarvin, England, CH3
United Kingdom
53.186124, -2.784759
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Nearby Places

Chester Shot Tower

Chester, England

miles away

Medieval Coffin of St John's

Chester, England

miles away

Minerva's Shrine

Chester, England

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of England

England

United Kingdom

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Stories 144

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Chester Shot Tower

Chester, England

miles away

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Photo of England

England

United Kingdom

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Stories 144

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