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An Historical Account and Delineation of Aberdeen
An Historical Account and Delineation of Aberdeen Author:Robert Wilson General Books publication date: 2009 Original publication date: 1822 Original Publisher: James Johnston Subjects: Aberdeen (Scotland) History / Europe / Great Britain Notes: This is a black and white OCR reprint of the original. It has no illustrations and there may be typos or missing text. When you buy the General Books edition of this... more » book you get free trial access to Million-Books.com where you can select from more than a million books for free. Excerpt: III. BRIDGES. Bridge Op Dee. This bridge affords the only access to the city from the south turnpike, and is distant about two miles. It is a light building consisting of seven semicircular arches, built of stones which were brought from Moray and the Frith of Forth. In ancient times, there was on the south end of the bridge a porch with a watch tower over it; and also, according to the custom of the age, a chapel, on the north end, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Before the bridge was built, the passage over the river was effected by the common ferry at the Craglug. About the year 1448, the aldermen and baillies designed that a bridge should be thrown across the river, at a small distance above the ferry, for which purpose, they entered into contract with John Livingstone, vicar of Inverugie, for the superintending of the work. The undertaking, however, was soon after relinquished. About the beginning of the 16th century, the present bridge was projected by William Elphinston, Bishop of Aberdeen, who did not live to see it finished. His successor, Bishop Gavin Dunbar, recommenced the wcfcjjki, and completed the structure, at his own expense, in the course of a few years. He also bequeathed to the magistrates, town-council, and community, the lands of Ardlair, in the parish of Clat, to be a source of funds for supporting and re-building the fabric. The lands were sold in 1592, and the money was laid E out at interest. The amount at present is between £4000 and £5000 sterling. An extensive course of re...« less