A 'lone musketeer' mounted a vigil at a beleagured medieval bridge which suffered a partial collapse as city heritage champions muster to mark the anniversary of a battle fought there.
Today (Monday, September 23) is the anniversary of the Battle of Powick Bridge, the opening skirmish of the English Civil War, fought on September 23, 1642.
Now it is the bridge itself which faces a battle for survival following a partial collapse of the wingwall in January.
However, workmen have been on site and preparation for the repairs are well underway, giving hope the structure can be saved and returned to its former glory.
It is the 382nd anniversary of the battle. This year brings an urgent and poignant reminder of the bridge's historical significance, which also saw action during the final decisive battle of the war, the Battle of Worcester, on September 3, 1651,
Daniel Daniels, chairman of the Battle of Worcester Society, said: "The bridge, a silent witness to the conflict that shaped the course of British history, is not just a physical structure but a symbol of the tumultuous times of the 17th century. Its collapse has stirred concerns among historians, locals, and civil war enthusiasts about the preservation of such a historic site for future generations."
He added: "While Worcestershire County Council is taking steps toward restoring the bridge, it is vital that the public remains engaged and supportive to ensure that this monument does not fade from view. Efforts are underway to not only repair but also raise awareness of the bridge's importance in the narrative of British history.
"Local community members and heritage groups are calling for continued attention to the restoration process. "
Powick Bridge is considered by many heritage champions to stand at the heart of Worcester's Civil War history.
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Mr Daniels said: "Its significance goes beyond the structure itself—it's a link to our past. We must ensure its preservation for future generations."
A platform and temporary stairs have been constructed at Powick Old Bridge near Worcester after previous work to cut back vegetation ahead of the work to return the structure to its former glory.
The temporary works will be followed by a second phase to permanently reconstruct the damaged section in 2025.
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