Piercebridge offers a tangible connection to Roman history alongside a short circuit by the River Tees: the remains of a Roman bridge and fort meet a later road bridge and buildings from other centuries. Visitors planning a stay can explore Roman remains, the history of churches and chapels, and a 1 km walk. The circular route provides a clearly defined path through the area’s historical highlights.

Roman Bridges and Fort Remains

The Piercebridge Roman Bridge carried Dere Street across the River Tees. This Roman road connected York with Corbridge, near Hadrian’s Wall. The surviving bridge remains now lie high and dry on the south bank because the river shifted north after the bridge was built. This distinguishes the Roman bridge site from Piercebridge Bridge: the latter is a road bridge over the River Tees dating from the early 16th century, widened on its downstream side in 1781. The two bridges therefore represent different periods of construction and purposes.

The area’s Roman history extends beyond the bridge. Around AD 260, a large fort was built at Piercebridge to house auxiliary cavalry troops; it remained occupied until the end of the Roman period. Visible remains include the fort’s north-east corner and its latrine. Some buildings from the civilian settlement also survive outside the east gate. The Roman bridge is also highly significant: only a few Roman bridges in Roman Britain have survived in any form. Piercebridge is also an important site for the study of Roman bridges and building techniques.

Church and Older Foundations

The Church of St Mary adds a later chapter to Piercebridge’s architectural history. Cory and Ferguson built it in 1873 in the Early English style; the church is listed at Grade II. The style designation and listing provide two distinct ways to understand the building: its architectural design and its heritage status.

Another meeting of different periods can be found in the ruins of a medieval chapel in the rear garden of Bath House, Tees View. Parts of the chapel were built on the foundations of a Roman bathhouse. Medieval chapel remains and an even older Roman foundation therefore lie one above the other. Together with the fort and bridges, these buildings show the many layers of history to explore in Piercebridge.

The Piercebridge Circular

The Piercebridge Circular is a short, 1 km route focusing on the Roman history of this important crossing point over the River Tees. It starts at the George Hotel’s overflow car park and crosses the road bridge. It then passes over a stile, through a green lane and along the riverbank to the remains of the Roman bridge. Its short length and clearly named destination make the circuit a compact way to link the road bridge, riverbank and Roman bridge site in one walk.

Local Amenities

Piercebridge currently has two pubs, Foxhole and George Hotel; both serve food. North of the A67, there is an organic farm shop with a café and a garden centre. These local amenities complement the historical highlights with places to eat and run errands.

Discover more destinations: Walworth, Darlington.

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