Wallington Bridge in Fareham

Wallington Bridge is a historic red brick bridge in Fareham, Hampshire, on the south coast of England. It crosses the River Wallington and now serves as a footbridge. It is one of the oldest features of the former village of Wallington, today part of Fareham.

What does Wallington Bridge look like?

The bridge is built of red brick and carried on several arches. Piers between them end in cutwaters, pointed edges that split the current and ease the force of the water on the structure. The parapet is topped with a rounded brick coping. The bridge is Grade II listed, which means it is protected as a building of special interest in England.

How old is the bridge?

The listing describes the bridge as late 18th or early 19th century. An older survey of Hampshire bridges gives 1715 and counts five red brick arches. The two dates differ, so you will see both in descriptions. What is clear is that a crossing existed here much earlier. Old county maps by Saxton, Norden, Speed and Blaeu show a bridge in this area, although the exact position of each earlier crossing is hard to pin down, and some now lie under modern roads.

Why was a bridge built here?

Wallington grew up at the lowest fording point of the river. The River Wallington rises near the South Downs, flows south past Fareham and enters Portsmouth Harbour. It is tidal as far as Drift Road. Crossing the stream here was a natural reason for a settlement, and the road led from this point towards Boarhunt.

The industry of old Wallington

Two notable businesses operated near the bridge. A large, high quality tannery was first set up in the 17th century. The Wallington Brewery, north of the village, began operating in the early 19th century and produced popular ale for more than a hundred years. The buildings belong to history now, but the layout of the village still shows how the river shaped the local economy.

The bridge and the floods

In 1978 the bridge was seen as a cause of flooding and proposed for demolition. Local residents opposed the plan. A flood prevention scheme was introduced instead, and the bridge survived. It is a good example of a community defending its heritage.

Frequently asked questions

Can you walk across Wallington Bridge? Yes, it works as a footbridge. It once carried the road towards Boarhunt, but vehicle traffic now goes elsewhere.

Is it a listed monument? Yes, it is Grade II listed.

Where is the bridge? In the former village of Wallington, now within Fareham, close to where the River Wallington meets Portsmouth Harbour.

Who is it for? Anyone interested in history, brick architecture and quiet walks through an old village. It is a short stop, best combined with a visit to Fareham and the harbour area.

Does the bridge have a link to the river? Yes, it stands at the lowest fording point of the River Wallington, around which the settlement developed.