Preservation trust fights to save fountain and bridge

Recent and current projects include the swing bridge near Oxford railway station, a Victorian fountain and its own headquarters.

The swing bridge swung across the Sheepwash Channel to allow trains to pass into the former Rewley Road railway terminus and then swung back to allow boats to pass.

It was designed by engineer Robert Stephenson, son of George Stephenson, opened in 1851 and is thought to be the earliest surviving moving railway bridge in the world.

The railway line, which ended on the site of what is now the Said Business School, closed to passenger trains in 1951 and to freight trains in 1984.

After its closure, the bridge fell into disrepair and was added to the national Heritage at Risk Register in 2013.

The swing bridge in Oxford (Image: Contributed)

Ownership of the bridge transferred in 2019 to the Preservation Trust, which led a £900,000 restoration project funded by the Railway Heritage Trust, Historic England and Network Rail.

When work was completed in 2021, the bridge was removed from the At Risk Register. Trust volunteers continue to maintain it and manage the surrounding landscape.

The Trust organised a ‘drop-in’ in May for visitors to see the 175-year-old bridge, which links the Oxford Canal and the River Thames.

Another trust project is the restoration of the drinking fountain between Walton Well Road and Southmoor Road in Jericho.

The ancient Walton well was a spring in a natural dip in the rural landscape. The Portland stone fountain was built in 1885 when the area began to transform into a Victorian suburb. It provided water for the local community.

William Ward, a coal merchant, who was Mayor of Oxford twice, led the campaign for the fountain. It was designed by local architect Harry Moore but now, 140 years later, it no longer works and is in need of restoration.

The trust launched a fundraising campaign last year and now has enough money for work to start on the first phase.

Eventually, it will again provide water and a bench will be installed for walkers to rest.

The Trust is also researching the history of its own offices in Turn Again Lane, formerly Charles Street, and their connection with the wider St Ebbe’s community.

In a public appeal, it says: “Maybe you remember the Church Army hostel at 2 Charles Street or Mr Vokins, a Morrell’s beer retailer at Nos 6 and 7? Or perhaps you knew some of the families who lived in the street – the Corbetts, the Howes, the Birchills at No 8, or the Robinsons and the Ayres at Nos 9 and 10?

“Whether you lived or worked nearby or had family there, we would love to hear from you. Your recollections could be a valuable part of our research.”

Email a.clark@oxfordpreservation.org.uk or liz@lizwoolley.co.uk or call 01865 242918