Clare Bridge
A three-arched stone bridge of 1639-40 at Clare College, often named the oldest bridge still in use in Cambridge.
Clare Bridge crosses the River Cam to connect the Old Court of Clare College with Memorial Court on the far bank, a court dedicated in 1926. The bridge is Grade I listed. Counting along the river it is the ninth bridge, and the fifth on the middle stream.
Built in 1639-40
The bridge was built in 1639–40 by Thomas Grumbold, and restored in 1969. It is usually identified as the oldest bridge in Cambridge that still carries traffic. It has three spans in an Early Renaissance style and is built of ashlar from Ketton stone. The parapet's pedestals carry carved relief panels, and fourteen stone balls rise above them.
The missing wedge
On the south side, the second ball from the left has a chunk missing, and visitors hear several explanations. The version most often repeated in the college has the builder underpaid for his work and taking a slice out of the ball to make up the difference. A likelier explanation is that a stone wedge cemented into the ball simply came loose.
Practical notes
The bridge is part of the college, so check Clare's own arrangements for visits. Garret Hostel Bridge and Trinity College Bridge are neighbours along the same stretch of the Backs, making a walk that takes in three bridges within a few hundred metres.
Nearby
Within a few minutes' walk
