Battle Bridge

Battle Bridge, was situated in South Street by the Friends’ Meeting House. Starting as a draw-bridge over the town ditch. It became a permanent structure and is recorded as being repaired in 1772 but was removed at the end of 18^th century when the ditch was infilled.

The battle was the Welsh led by Gruffydd ap Llywelyn and the English commanded by Ranulph of Mantes, Earl of Herefordshire (known as Ralph the Timid) in 1052. The English were defeated.

It has been recorded that the battle took place further south by a castle on what is now called “Castlefields”. However, it seems more likely that the castle in question was “Comfordt Castle” which is believed to be on Eaton Hill and the Saxon and Norman troops were based there but came down to the bridge over the town ditch to confront the Welsh.