The nondescript bridge that spans the River Axe before it enters the sea at Axmouth in Devon is the earliest bridge made of mass concrete ("Historically, in Britain, mass concrete (is) designated early concrete with no reinforcement cast in situ using shuttering. It was used mainly between 1850 and 1900 on a variety of buildings, mainly as a walling material"- Wikipedia). The bridge was designed by Philip Brannon and built in 1877. It continues in use by pedestrians today but no longer carries motor vehicles.
Nearby is a small, rendered, single storey former toll house, also built by Brannon in mass concrete in 1877. It has an unusual tarred, arched roof and bracketed canopy. It is the oldest surviving concrete house in Britain and appears to be still inhabited today.
photo © T. Boughen Camera: Lumix FZ1000 2
