Abbott`s Bridge in Bury Abbey Gardens

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On one of my visits to the Cathedral church in BSE, I have heard brief excerpts of music from the organ, and have been much impressed by it. So, when I read that they were doing lunchtime recitals  a few times in the summer, I decided to make sure I was there to listen to one - today was that day.
While I was visiting the Abbey gardens, I also had in mind to search for the Medieval bridge that I had seen on maps - The Abbotts's Bridge. This was my first aim for the day.

The Abbott’s Bridge over the River Lark in Bury St Edmunds abbey grounds, was built around AD 1220. The land on the east side of the River Lark came to be used as the Vinefields, and on the abbey side, the monks could cross uninhibited. An iron grating being lowered, if necessary, to prevent any unwanted visitors on the river.
The Abbots Bridge gave immediate access to these vinefields by the townspeople via planks through the bridge’s open buttresses.
Two 14th century triangular ‘breakwaters’ on the bridge`s abbey side, slows the flow of the river, still very important when the river is in flood.


The Abbott’s Bridge



This time of year you just have to walk around the beautiful gardens, and these are a couple of images - avoiding gardeners and hose pipes galore!


Then lastly, an hour of magical music from the organ in this wonderful building.



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