Library Item

Bridge of Don

1805

This bridge over the River Don was originally known as the Brig O' Balgownie. It is said to have been built either on the order of King Robert the Bruce or by Bishop Henry Cheyne. It was constructed by Richard Cementarius and reached completion in 1320 during the Scottish Wars of Independence. It gave access to the new and old towns of Aberdeen from the north providing an alternative to ford or ferry. The bridge has a simple Gothic arch which is 67 ft at its widest expanse. The Bridge is very famous, mentioned in poetry from 'Thomas the Rhymer' to Lord Byron who remembered it from his youth. In 1605 Alexander Hay left lands with a yearly income in order to keep the 'Auld Brig' in good repair. From this fund the new Bridge of Don was built around 1825.