Good dark image which would look great framed. This sheet is approx. 13 x 8.5 inches (33 x 21 cm ), in good condition with a blank back . This print was published in a Nov 4th 1871 edition of "The Builder. An Illustrated Weekly Magazine for the Architect, Engineer, Archaeologist, Constructor, Sanitary Reformer and Art-Lover" .

By 1364 the bridge of Henry II.'s time had become very dilapidated and extensive repairs, amounting to almost a re-building were necessary, although in 1209 the brethren of St. John the Baptist, in Nottingham, had attempted to do something for the upkeep of the bridge. Up to this time the bridge had been maintained by the counties of Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Lincoln, but about now the town of Nottingham undertook the complete repair of its twenty arches and two years later appointed two bridge-masters to undertake the responsibility. Gifts and bequests towards its upkeep were received and lands and hereditaments were purchased to provide an income for its repair. This formed the foundation of the Bridge Estate, the first lease under which was granted in 1541. In 1551 Edward VI. granted the property of the hospital of St. John of Jerusalem in Nottingham, together with the Chantry upon Trent Bridge to the Bridge-Masters or their representatives for the upkeep of the bridge which of course considerably augmented the bridge's income. But in spite of this the bridge fell into decay and indeed in 1636 became so ruinous that one arch fell down completely.

In 1853 Sir William Cubbit prepared plans for a new bridge. However, nothing was done and traffic struggled along until 1871 when the magnificent Trent Bridge, designed by Mr. Tarbotton, the borough engineer, and erected at a cost of £30,000 was opened by Alderman Manning. Mercifully one arch of the old bridge was preserved when they built their new structure, so that we and succeeding generations may be able to visualise the old Hethbeth Bridge. This arch has been dated 1364 – while the Black Prince was alive.

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