Ludham Bridge, River Ant from Old Postcards

The Norfolk Broads from Old Postcards

Please wait for the images to load. Place Name Index

Ludham Bridge, River Ant

About a mile upstream on the River Ant from its mouth on the River Bure is Ludham Bridge. The original bridge was built and maintained by St Benet's Abbey and later by the Bishops of Norwich who re-built the bridge in 1811, the old stone bridge was destroyed in the flood of 1912, the present bridge is now looked after by the Drainage Commission and also carries service pipes alongside the parapet on the upstream side. The bridge was a major obstacle to the trading Wherries en route to Stalham until it was replaced by the present structure. The present arch is rectangular shaped with a walkway both sides, the headroom at average high water is 8ft 6ins ( 2.6 mtrs ). In the summer it can be tricky passing under the bridge owing to the amount of boat traffic.

There are plenty of good moorings both sides above the bridge, water and waste disposal is also available. Ludham Bridge Stores is well stocked for provisions, gifts, etc. Next to the stores the house is now a small restaurant and about a quarter of a mile up the road there are public toilets and the Dog Inn.

1905

The old stone bridge built in 1811 was destroyed and washed away in the great flood of August 1912, the Wherry man is probably waiting for low water so he can pass under the bridge towards Stalham.

Ludham Bridge. c1955

1955

A cruiser with the windscreen lowered prepares to pass upstream. The small building next to house in the background is where Ludham Bridge Stores is now.

Ludham Bridge. 2003

2003

The bridge has been altered again, the brick parapet has gone and the side walls rebuilt with concrete blocks. The roof of the house can just be seen in the background, it is now a restaurant.

Ludham Bridge. pm1955

1955

Looking upstream to the bridge from the boatyard.

Ludham Bridge 2005

2005

A similar scene as above, the length of roadway over the bridge has been extended and flattened.

Old Mill, Ludham Bridge. pm1958

This art view shows the lovely drainage mill that stood upstream just north of the bridge, it was demolished in the late 1950's and now nothing remains.