Abbey Bridge and Viaduct, Evesham, Worcestershire Watching Brief and Building Recording

A programme of Archaeological Building Recording to English Heritage Level 3 was undertaken by Cotswold Archaeology in March 2013 at Abbey Bridge, Evesham. Worcestershire. The building recording was carried out to mitigate the demolition and replacement of the bridge and viaduct, which was opened to traffic in 1928. A three-dimensional measured survey supplied by Atkins provided the basis of the record, which was supplemented by more detailed recording of parts of the bridge graphically and photographically. Study of the bridge did not reveal any evidence of changes to the structure or fittings of the bridge since it was completed. A concrete pile with a steel shoe at one end was noted lying under the viaduct and this may have been part of the anti- invasion defences of the Second World War. No evidence of such defences was seen in situ. An archaeological watching brief was undertaken by Cotswold Archaeology during groundworks associated with replacement of the existing Abbey Bridge and Viaduct at Abbey Road, Evesham, Worcestershire. No features or deposits of archaeological interest were observed during groundworks, and no artefactual material was recovered.