Pont Spwdwr or Spudder's Bridge.

Pont Spwdwr or Spudder's Bridge. A view from the new bridge alongside.

With its many parish churches and Norman castles, Carmarthenshire may be considered well blessed with examples of medieval architecture. Outside of these however there are few examples that remain that aren't ruinous. An example that does exist however, is Spudder's bridge on the road between Trimsaran and Kidwelly. It is considered late medieval and was described by Edward Jervoise (1936) as: "by far the most ancient bridge remaining in South Wales".

Spudder's bridge showing the wings added by Thomas Kymer in 1870.

 It is quite easy to miss Spudder's bridge, because, having been replaced by the new road bridge now running alongside, it is beginning to disappear into the undergrowth. But pull over and you will still be able to appreciate its spectacular construction. In all there are 6 pointed arches; 2 crossing the river and the others crossing what would be the flood plain. The "wings" on the bridge were added by Thomas Kymer, of canal building fame, around 1870 although the main part is believed to have been constructed in the 15th century.

Spudder's Bridge viewed from the west.

There is uncertainty over the origin of the name Pont Spwdwr; some believe it has its origin in the name Pant yr Ysbrid Gwyn, the bridge of the White Ghost, referring to a medieval Romeo and Juliet type legend or another explanation is that it is linked to the the Knights Hopitallers with their association with Kidwelly.  Ironically the best view of the bridge today can be had by standing on its replacement, where you can also ponder the question of whether the aesthetics of bridge architecture has made any progress in the last 600 years.