The Old Stone Bridge, Alexandra Road, Grimsby - photo 1

This photograph shows the remains of the old Stone Bridge beneath Alexandra Road in Grimsby, at the crossing of the former West Haven. Following the excavation of the West Haven in the 14th century, bridges were needed to reconnect the town with the summer pastures of Somertymyng and the wider West Marsh.

The Stone Bridge was built in 1556, replacing an earlier wooden crossing. The bridge running north from Flottergate was known by this name by the early 17th century. Although the present Alexandra Road bridge is a later brick and concrete structure, it occupies the same position and incorporates earlier masonry, including part of the earlier limestone structure on the northern side.

The original bridge had a dedication stone recording that it was built at the expense of Michael Hempringham and Christopher Ayliffe. Part of the stone is known to survive in the the town's museum stores. The remains of the bridge are designated as an archaeological site and are considered important because of their association with the West Haven and their potential to be among the oldest surviving structures in Grimsby.

This photograph was taken in September 2026 by James Elliott, the Canoe River Cleaner, for Grimsby & Cleethorpes Museum.

Grimsby & Cleethorpes Museum is pleased to support the great work Jim does on the River Freshney. As he puts it himself, he is “simply a guy with a canoe keeping the river tidy for the wildlife and local residents”. His efforts help to keep this historic waterway cleaner and reveal parts of Grimsby's past that are rarely seen.