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Records of the Stratford-upon-Avon Bridgewardens

Admin History

Administrative History The great stone bridge over the Avon at Stratford was built in the late 15th century by Hugh Clopton, a native of Stratford and Lord Mayor of London. It is thought that he intended to settle property on trustees for its upkeep and repair but he died before this could be accomplished. Instead the upkeep of the bridge became the responsibility of Bridgewardens, apparently elected annually at the Bridge Ale, whose income was derived from small grants of property. The money was spent not only on the bridge, but on providing an annual pageant of St. George and the Dragon and the maintenance of St. George's Chapel in the church. The Bridgewardens, however, worked closely with the Guild of the Holy Cross, and in the Charter of Incorporation of 1553 it is the latter who were claimed to have been responsible for the bridge, and an annual rent of £3 6s 8d was granted to the new Corporation out of the Guild estates for its maintenance. The Corporation had clearly taken over full responsibility by at least 1597.